Vehicle and vehicle components

ABSTRACT

A rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle includes a configuration adjusting arrangement and an activating arrangement. The vehicle includes a frame having a front and a back, a suspended rear drive wheel that supports the frame, and a suspension system for connecting the rear drive wheel to the frame. The configuration adjusting arrangement is capable of changing the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame such that the suspension system may be moved into an uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill and such that the suspension system may be moved into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill. The activating arrangement activates the changing of the configuration adjusting arrangement to cause the configuration adjusting arrangement to change the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame while the vehicle is being used.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/786,586 filed on Mar. 15, 2013 and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for providing vehicles and vehicle components including suspension systems, steering systems, rotational drive systems, ergonomic position adjusting systems, and safety systems.

Present day vehicles have grown to a high level of popularity and many are highly specialized for certain applications. These specialized applications impose extraordinary requirements on various vehicle systems and components. Despite these extraordinary requirements, many of the basic vehicle systems such as suspension systems, steering systems, driveline systems, ergonomic position adjusting systems, and safety systems have remained relatively unchanged for quite some time.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a suspension system for use in a vehicle that has a main vehicle body and a suspended assembly that supports the main body of the vehicle. The suspended assembly assists in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle. The suspension system includes a first suspension arrangement that movably connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body and controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a first path that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction. The suspension system also includes a second suspension arrangement that controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a second path that is also primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. The second path of the second suspension arrangement is different than the first path of the first suspension arrangement such that the combination of the range of motion of the first suspension arrangement along the first path and the range of motion of the second suspension arrangement along the second path result in an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction.

In some aspects, the surface area is a planar surface area.

In some aspects, the surface area is a curved surface area.

In some aspects, the first path of the first suspension arrangement is primarily horizontal and parallel with the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle and the second path of the second suspension arrangement is primarily vertical and perpendicular to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the first path of the first suspension arrangement is oriented at an angle in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal.

In some aspects, the suspended assembly that supports the vehicle includes a component selected from a group of components consisting of a wheel, a ski, a skid, a float, and a tread.

In some aspects, the second suspension arrangement movably connects the suspended assembly to the first suspension arrangement.

In some aspects, the first suspension arrangement includes a telescopic shock absorber having a longitudinal axis with a first end attached to the main body of the vehicle and a second end that is telescopically movable along the longitudinal axis of the telescopic shock absorber relative to the first end of the telescopic shock absorber and the main body of the vehicle. The movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path.

In some aspects, the second suspension arrangement includes an articulated linkage having a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link with each of the links having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. The articulated linkage connects the suspended assembly to the first suspension arrangement such that 1) the first link is fixed to the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement, 2) the first pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of the second link at a first articulated linkage pivot point, 3) the second pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of the third link at a second articulated linkage pivot point, 4) the second pivot point of the second link is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of the fourth link at a third articulated linkage pivot point, 5) the second pivot point of the third link is pivotally connected to the second pivot point of the fourth link at a fourth articulated linkage pivot point, and 6) the fourth link is connected to and supports the suspended assembly. The second suspension arrangement includes a shock absorber connected between the first link that is fixed to the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement and one of the other links of the articulated linkage. The shock absorber is connected to the articulated linkage such that it controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement through the range of motion along the second path.

In some aspects, the suspended assembly is a steerable suspended assembly with the suspended assembly being connected to the second suspension arrangement such that at least portions of the suspended assembly are rotatable relative to the second suspension arrangement about a first steering axis.

In some aspects, the rotation of the rotatable portions of the suspended assembly about the first steering axis is controlled by a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

In some aspects, the second end of the telescopic shock absorber is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the telescopic shock absorber relative to the first end of the telescopic shock absorber and the main body of the vehicle thereby providing a second steering axis.

In some aspects, the rotation of the second end of the telescopic shock absorber is controlled by a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

In some aspects, the second suspension arrangement movably connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body.

In some aspects, the suspension system includes an articulated linkage that connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body. The first suspension arrangement includes a first biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path. The second suspension arrangement includes a second biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the second path.

In some aspects, the first and second biasing and dampening arrangements are shock absorbers.

In some aspects, a plurality of the links of the articulated linkage are rotational drive transmitting links that include a first and a second spaced apart hinge point. The spaced apart hinge points each having an associated axis of rotation that provides a pivot point for the articulated linkage. Each rotational drive transmitting link includes 1) a driven member that is supported and rotates about the axis of the first hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, 2) a drive member that is supported and rotates about the axis of the second hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, and 3) a rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational movement from the driven member of the rotational drive transmitting link to the drive member of the rotational drive transmitting link. The plurality of rotational drive transmitting links are connected to one another in series with the second hinge point of a given one of the rotational drive transmitting links being pivotally connected to the first hinge point of the next rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the given rotational drive transmitting link rotationally drives the driven member of the next rotational drive transmitting link to rotate about the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage thereby providing the transmission of a rotational drive through the series of rotational drive transmitting links.

In some aspects, the rotational drive mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group of mechanisms consisting of a chain drive, a belt drive, a shaft drive, and a gear drive.

In some aspects, each rotational drive transmitting link includes an enclosed space that houses the associated drive member, driven member, and drive mechanism of the rotational drive transmitting link.

In some aspects, the articulated linkage has a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link with each of the links having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. The articulated linkage connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body such that 1) the first pivot point of the first link and the first pivot point of the fourth link are pivotally connected to one another and pivotally connected to the main body of the vehicle at a first articulated linkage pivot point, 2) the second pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of the second link at a second articulated linkage pivot point, 3) the second pivot point of the fourth link is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of the third link at a third articulated linkage pivot point, and 4) the second pivot point of the second link and the second pivot point of the third link are pivotally connected to one another at a fourth articulated linkage pivot point. The suspended assembly is connected to a desired portion of the articulated linkage. The first suspension arrangement includes a first biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and one of the links of the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path. The second suspension arrangement includes a second biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and another one of the links of the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the second path.

In some aspects, the first and second biasing and dampening arrangements are shock absorbers.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the suspension system includes a sensing arrangement for sensing certain characteristics of the movement of the suspension system and the suspension system includes an arrangement for modifying the function of elements of the suspension system in response to the certain characteristics sensed by the sensing arrangement.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a rotational drive transmission for use in a vehicle. The transmission includes an articulated linkage having a plurality of rotational drive transmitting links that each have a first and a second spaced apart hinge point. The spaced apart hinge points each have an associated axis of rotation that provides a pivot point for the articulated linkage. Each rotational drive transmitting link includes 1) a driven member that is supported and rotates about the axis of the first hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, 2) a drive member that is supported and rotates about the axis of the second hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, and 3) a rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational movement from the driven member of the rotational drive transmitting link to the drive member of the rotational drive transmitting link. The plurality of rotational drive transmitting links are connected to one another in series with the second hinge point of a given one of the rotational drive transmitting links being pivotally connected to the first hinge point of a next rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the given rotational drive transmitting link rotationally drives the driven member of the next rotational drive transmitting link to rotate about the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage thereby providing the transmission of a rotational drive through the series of rotational drive transmitting links.

In some aspects, the rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational movement from the driven member of one of the rotational drive transmitting links to the drive member of that rotational drive transmitting link includes a shifting arrangement for changing the drive ratio between the driven member and the drive member of that rotational drive transmitting link.

In some aspects, the shifting arrangement includes a selecting arrangement for selecting any given one of a plurality of different drive ratios.

In some aspects, the rotational drive mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group of mechanisms consisting of a chain drive, a belt drive, a shaft drive, and a gear drive.

In some aspects, each rotational drive transmitting link includes an enclosed space that houses the associated drive member, driven member, and drive mechanism of the rotational drive transmitting link.

In some aspects, the transmission includes a first and a second rotational drive transmitting link. The vehicle is a wheeled vehicle that includes a main body, a suspended wheel assembly including a drive wheel that supports the main body of the vehicle, a suspension system for connecting the suspended wheel assembly to the main body of the vehicle, and a crank set assembly having a crank set rotational axis, the crank set allowing a rider of the vehicle to input a rotational drive about the crank set rotational axis. The articulated linkage provides at least a portion of the suspension system for connecting the suspended wheel assembly to the main body of the vehicle. The first rotational drive transmitting link is pivotally connected to the main body of the vehicle with the driven member of the first rotational drive transmitting link being rotationally connected to the crank set assembly such that the rotational drive input from the rider drives the driven member of the first rotational drive transmitting link. The drive wheel is rotationally connected to the drive member of the second rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the second rotational drive transmitting link drives the drive wheel thereby causing the rotational drive input from the rider to drive the drive wheel.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle including a frame having a front and a back, a suspended rear drive wheel that supports the frame, and a suspension system for connecting the rear drive wheel to the frame. The suspension adjusting arrangement includes a configuration adjusting arrangement for changing the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame such that the suspension system may be moved into an uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill and such that the suspension system may be moved into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill. The suspension adjusting arrangement also includes an activating arrangement for activating the configuration adjusting arrangement to cause the configuration adjusting arrangement to change the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame while the vehicle is being used.

In some aspects, the vehicle includes a front wheel and the vehicle has a wheel base that is defined by the distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The suspension adjusting arrangement changes the wheel base of the vehicle as the configuration adjusting arrangement moves the suspension system between the uphill configuration and the downhill configuration.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the activating arrangement includes a sensor arrangement for sensing when the vehicle is traveling uphill and downhill.

In some aspects, the activating arrangement is manually controlled by an operator of the vehicle.

In some aspects, the configuration adjusting arrangement includes an actuator selected from the group of actuators consisting of a motorized actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a cable driven actuator, a push rod driven actuator, and a magnetic actuator.

In some aspects, the vehicle further includes a crank set assembly having a crank set rotational axis. The crank set is configured to allow a rider to input a rotational drive about the crank set rotational axis for driving the rear drive wheel. The rear wheel has a rear wheel axis and the suspension system has an effective swing arm length that extends from the crank set rotational axis to the rear wheel axis. The configuration adjusting arrangement decreases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling uphill and increases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling downhill.

In some aspects, the activating arrangement includes a pivoting member that is pivotally connected to the frame of the vehicle about a pivoting member rotational axis that is parallel to, but spaced apart from, the crank set rotational axis. The crank set rotational axis is located below the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in an upright position such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the front of the frame when the vehicle is traveling downhill and causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the rear of the frame when the vehicle is traveling uphill. The configuration adjusting arrangement includes a suspension pivot point that is located on the pivoting member above the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in the upright position. The suspension system is pivotally connected to the suspension pivot point of the pivoting member of the suspension adjusting arrangement such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot with the suspension pivot point moving toward the rear of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill and with the suspension pivot point moving toward the front of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill.

In some aspects, the suspension adjusting arrangement includes a dampening arrangement for dampening the speed of the pivoting of the pivoting member of the activating arrangement.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a steering system for use in a wheeled vehicle that has a main vehicle body and a steerable wheel that supports the main body of the vehicle. The steerable wheel has a wheel axis around which the wheel rotates in a wheel rotation plane that is perpendicular to the wheel axis. The steerable wheel assists in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel for the vehicle. The steering system includes a first steering arrangement that controls movement of the steerable wheel relative to the main vehicle body such that the steerable wheel pivots about a first steering axis. The steering system also includes a second steering arrangement that controls movement of the steerable wheel relative to the main vehicle body such that the steerable wheel pivots about a second steering axis, the second steering axis being different than the first steering axis.

In some aspects, the first steering axis is primarily vertical allowing the first steering arrangement to move the steerable wheel through a range of motion that pivots the wheel rotation plane of the steerable wheel relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel. Also, the second steering axis is primarily horizontal allowing the second steering arrangement to move the steerable wheel through a range of motion that tilts the wheel rotation plane of the steerable wheel relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel.

In some aspects, the second steering axis of the second steering arrangement is oriented at an angle in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a steering system for use in a vehicle that includes a main vehicle body, a suspended assembly that supports the main body of the vehicle, and a suspension arrangement for connecting the suspended assembly to the main body of the vehicle. The suspended assembly assists in providing directional control of the vehicle. The steering system includes an axle that makes up a portion of the suspended assembly. The axle has an axle rotational axis and two bearing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another along the axle rotational axis and the axle defines an opening within the axle that is located between the two spaced apart bearing surfaces. The steering system also includes a steering arrangement that is located within the opening within the axle. The steering arrangement defines a steering axis and the steering arrangement is rotatably connected to the axle such that the axle is movable about the steering axis. The steering system further includes a steering actuator that is connected to the steering arrangement such that the steering actuator controls the movement of the axle about the steering axis.

In some aspects, the suspended assembly that supports the vehicle includes a component selected from a group of components consisting of a wheel, a ski, a skid, a float, and a tread.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered, wheeled vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the opening within the axle has a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of a cylinder, a sphere, a combination of portions of a sphere, and a combination of one or more cylinders and portions of a sphere.

In some aspects, the steering actuator includes a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

In some aspects, portions of the steering actuator are enclosed within portions of the suspension arrangement.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a position adjusting arrangement for use in a wheeled vehicle including a seat for supporting a rider, a plurality of wheels with at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, a steering arrangement having a handle bar for allowing the rider to control the steerable wheel, and a hub for interconnecting the components of the vehicle. The position adjusting arrangement includes an arrangement for connecting the wheels to the hub and an adjustable seat support arrangement for connecting the seat to the hub. The adjustable seat support arrangement is movably connected to the hub. The position adjusting arrangement also includes an adjustable handle bar support arrangement for connecting the handle bar to the hub. The adjustable handle bar support arrangement is movably connected to the hub. The position adjusting arrangement further includes a releasable position locking arrangement that is releasable by the rider when the rider is riding the vehicle. The position locking arrangement is configured to lock the relative positions of the hub, the adjustable seat support arrangement, and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement when the position locking arrangement is not released by the rider.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the position adjusting arrangement further includes a variable length link for connecting the adjustable seat support arrangement to the adjustable handle bar support arrangement. The variable length link has a first end that is pivotally connected to the adjustable handle bar support arrangement and a second end that is pivotally connected to the adjustable seat support arrangement. The position locking arrangement includes a link locking arrangement for locking the variable length link at a desired length.

In some aspects, the adjustable seat support arrangement and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement are pivotally connected to one another at a same pivot point that they are pivotally connected to the hub.

In some aspects, the hub includes a first portion that is connected to the wheels, a second portion that is connected to the adjustable seat support arrangement and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement, and a hub positioning arrangement that is configured to allow the first portion of the hub to move relative to the second portion of the hub. The position locking arrangement includes a hub position locking arrangement for locking the position of the first portion of the hub relative to the second portion of the hub.

In some aspects, the hub positioning arrangement includes a slidable track connecting the first portion of the hub to the second portion of the hub.

In some aspects, the second portion of the hub is connected to the first portion of the hub and the hub positioning arrangement is provided by the pivoting of the second portion of the hub relative to the first portion of the hub.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a signal arrangement for use in a vehicle by a vehicle operator to indicate the intentions of the operator of the vehicle. The signal arrangement includes a plurality of signaling elements configured to indicate the operator's intention to continue traveling in a primarily straight-ahead direction.

In some aspects, the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

In some aspects, the plurality of signaling elements include a plurality of vertically spaced apart, upwardly pointing, lighted arrows that are controlled to illuminate in sequence from the lowermost arrow to the uppermost arrow when the operator activates the signal arrangement to indicate the intention to continue traveling in the primarily straight-ahead direction.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a bicycle seat for supporting a bicycle rider on a bicycle. The bicycle seat includes a saddle for supporting the rider when the bicycle seat is attached to the bicycle. The saddle has a nose portion located at the front of the saddle when the seat is attached to the bicycle. The bicycle seat also includes a seat mount having a first end configured to allow the bicycle seat to be attached to the bicycle and a second end that is pivotally connected to the saddle such that the seat mount supports the saddle and such that the nose portion of the saddle is free to pivot relative to the seat mount when the seat is attached to the bicycle. The bicycle seat further includes a biasing arrangement connected between the seat mount and the nose portion of the saddle for biasing the nose portion of the saddle into a desired position when the seat is attached to the bicycle. The biasing arrangement allows the nose portion of the saddle to pivot downward relative to the rider when pressure is applied to the nose portion of the saddle.

In some aspects, the bicycle includes a frame and the seat mount includes a seat post for attaching the seat to the frame, the seat post being slidably connected to the frame to allow the position of the seat to be adjusted relative to the frame.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a collision impact reduction system for reducing the impact force associated with a collision on a passenger in a passenger carrying vehicle. The collision impact reduction system including a suspended passenger compartment for carrying at least one passenger. The suspended passenger compartment is supported within the vehicle such that the suspended passenger compartment is movable within the vehicle in at least one direction in response to the vehicle colliding with another object. The collision impact reduction system also includes at least one shock absorbing mount for supporting the suspended passenger compartment within the vehicle. The shock absorbing mount is attached between the suspended passenger compartment and another portion of the vehicle to dampen the impact force associated with the collision that is transferred from the vehicle to the suspended passenger compartment and passenger in the at least one direction that the suspended passenger compartment is able to move within the vehicle.

In some aspects, the collision impact reduction system further includes a guide track that extends in a longitudinal direction within the vehicle. The suspended passenger compartment is connected to the guide track such that the suspended passenger compartment is movable in the longitudinal direction.

In some aspects, the suspended passenger compartment is connected to the guide track such that the suspended passenger compartment may also pivot about the longitudinal direction of the guide track.

In some aspects, the at least one shock absorbing mount includes a front shock absorbing mount and a rear shock absorbing mount. The front shock absorbing mount is configured to dampen a frontal impact to the vehicle and the rear shock absorbing mount is configured to dampen a rear impact to the vehicle.

In some aspects, the at least one shock absorbing mount is provided by a shock absorbing mount selected from the group consisting of a shock absorber, a foam mount, and a polymer mount.

In some aspects, the suspended passenger compartment includes a roll bar.

In some aspects, the vehicle includes a steering system having a steering wheel located within the suspended passenger compartment for steering the vehicle. The steering system is configured to allow movement of the steering wheel with the suspended passenger compartment relative to the rest of the vehicle while maintaining steering control of the vehicle with the steering wheel.

In some aspects, the steering system is a steering system selected from the group of steering systems consisting of a steering system having a telescoping articulated linkage, an electric steering system, a hydraulic steering system, a pneumatic steering system and a magnetically coupled steering system.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a front suspension system in accordance with aspects of the present invention in a heavily loaded or compressed position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a front suspension system of FIG. 2 in an unloaded position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a rear suspension system and a rotational drive transmission in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a suspension adjusting system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of portions of the rear suspension system and the rotational drive transmission of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of portions of the rear suspension system and the rotational drive transmission of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-axis steering system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the multi-axis steering system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a position adjusting arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the position adjusting arrangement of FIG. 10 in a second configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of a position adjusting arrangement and a suspension adjusting arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, and 13f are rear views of a signal arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a bicycle seat in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a collision impact reduction system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the collision impact reduction system of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing suspension systems, steering systems, rotational drive systems, ergonomic position adjusting systems, safety systems, and other vehicle systems and components. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of specific configurations. Also, well known vehicle components and hardware have not been described in detail herein in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing variable path suspension systems that may be used in vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, off-road vehicles, or any other desired vehicle. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, these variable path suspension systems may utilize multiple suspension arrangements to allow a suspended assembly such as a wheel, tread, ski, skid, float, or any other desired suspended assembly to move along a variable path relative to the rest of the vehicle. The use of a variable path may allow the suspension system to respond to a wide variety of obstacles or terrain while providing improved stability and control of the vehicle.

Turning to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention is initially directed to FIG. 1. This figure illustrates a first embodiment of a vehicle 100 designed in accordance with this disclosure. In this example, vehicle 100 takes the form of a bicycle that includes a front suspension system 102 and a rear suspension system 104, both of which are designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. Although suspension systems 102 and 104 will be described initially as being part of a bicycle, it should be understood that the suspension systems of the present disclosure may be used in a wide variety of applications and are not limited to bicycles. Instead, these suspension systems may be used in any desired application including a wide variety of vehicles such as motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, off-road vehicles, or any other type of vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, vehicle 100 includes a main vehicle body 106 and two suspended assemblies 108 and 110 that are configured to support main body 106 of vehicle 100. In this embodiment, main body 106 includes a hub arrangement 112, a seat support arrangement 114, and a handle bar support arrangement 116. Suspended assembly 108 includes a front wheel 118 that is movably connected to main body 106 of vehicle 100 using front suspension system 102. Suspended assembly 110 includes a rear wheel 120 that is movably connected to main body 106 of vehicle 100 using rear suspension system 104. Suspended assemblies 108 and 110 are configured to support vehicle 100 and assist in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

As will be described in more detail hereinafter, front suspension system 102 and rear suspension system 104 of vehicle 100 are different variations of suspension systems that are both designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. Although front suspension system 102 will be described herein as being a suspension system for a steerable front wheel of a bicycle and rear suspension system 104 will be described herein as being a suspension system for a rear wheel of a bicycle, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these specific applications. Instead, various aspects of front suspension system 102 and/or rear suspension system 104 may be used to provide a suspension system for a front wheel or a rear wheel for any desired vehicle. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the suspension arrangements described herein may be used in any desired suspended assembly in any desired application and remain within the scope of the invention. This includes suspended assemblies that have support elements such as a wheel, a ski, a skid, a float, a tread, or any other support element for a suspended assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a suspension system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to front suspension system 102. Front suspension system 102 includes a first suspension arrangement 122 that movably connects suspended assembly 108 (which in this example includes wheel 118) to hub arrangement 112 and main vehicle body 106. First suspension arrangement 122 controls the movement of suspended assembly 108 relative to main vehicle body 106 through a range of motion along a first path 124 that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of vehicle 100. This allows front suspension system 102 to support main body 106 of vehicle 100 while also providing lateral stability to the vehicle. In this example, path 124 is primarily horizontal and parallel with the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

Front suspension system 102 also includes a second suspension arrangement 126 that controls movement of suspended assembly 108 relative to main vehicle body 106 through a range of motion along a second path 128 that is also primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. This again allows front suspension system 102 to support main body 106 of vehicle 100 while also providing lateral stability to the vehicle. In this example, path 128 is primarily vertical and perpendicular to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

In accordance with some aspects of this disclosure, second path 128 of second suspension arrangement 126 is different than first path 124 of first suspension arrangement 122. With this configuration, front suspension system 102 may use the combination of the range of motion of first suspension arrangement 122 and the range of motion of second suspension arrangement 126 to provide an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. As is the case in the embodiment being described, this surface area may be defined by a planar surface area in configurations in which the first path and the second path fall entirely within a common plane. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, this surface area may be defined by a curved surface area in configurations in which at least one of the first or second paths is a curved path that is not entirely coplanar with the other path.

Although first path 124 associated with first suspension arrangement 122 has been described as being primarily horizontal and second path 128 associated with second suspension arrangement 126 has been described as being primarily vertical, this is not a requirement. Instead, it should be understood that first and second suspension arrangements 122 and 126 may be oriented in any desired manner and remain within the scope of the invention. This may cause first and second paths 124 and 128 to be paths that are not primarily horizontal and vertical. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, the variable path feature associated with using a first and a second suspension arrangement as described herein would be provided regardless of the orientation or angles of the first and second paths associated with the two suspension arrangements so long as the two paths are different from one another.

In the specific embodiment of front suspension system 102 that is being described, suspended assembly 108 and front wheel 118 are steerable. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, second suspension arrangement 126 movably connects suspended assembly 108 to first suspension arrangement 122. First suspension arrangement 122 then movably connects suspended assembly 108 and second suspension arrangement 126 to main vehicle body 106. In other words, second suspension arrangement 126 is only connected to main vehicle body 106 through first suspension arrangement 122 in this specific embodiment. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, this configuration allows the use of a multi-axis steering system.

In vehicle 100, first suspension arrangement 122 of front suspension system 102 includes a telescopic shock absorber 130 having a longitudinal axis 132 with a first end 134 and a second end 136. First end 134 of telescoping shock absorber 130 is attached to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. Second end 136 of telescoping shock absorber 130 is telescopically movable along longitudinal axis 132 of telescopic shock absorber 130 relative to first end 134 of the telescopic shock absorber 130 and main vehicle body 106. Movable second end 136 of telescopic shock absorber 130 controls movement of second suspension arrangement 126 and therefore suspended assembly 108 relative to main vehicle body 106 through the range of motion along first path 124.

As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, second suspension arrangement 126 includes an articulated linkage 138 having a first link 140, a second link 142, a third link 144, and a fourth link 146. Each of the links has a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. Articulated linkage 138 connects suspended assembly 108 to first suspension arrangement 122 with first link 140 being fixed to movable second end 136 of telescopic shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122. The first pivot point of first link 140 is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of second link 142 at a first articulated linkage pivot point 148. The second pivot point of first link 140 is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of third link 144 at a second articulated linkage pivot point 150. The second pivot point of second link 142 is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of fourth link 146 at a third articulated linkage pivot point 152. And finally, the second pivot point of third link 144 is pivotally connected to the second pivot point of fourth link 146 at a fourth articulated linkage pivot point 154. This configuration provides articulated linkage 138 which controls the movement of suspended assembly 108 along second path 128.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, fourth link 146 of second suspension arrangement 126 is connected to, and supports suspended assembly 108. In vehicle 100, suspension assembly 108 includes a wheel hub 156 that is configured to support wheel 118. Second suspension arrangement 126 further includes a shock absorber 158 that is connected between first link 140 and one of the other links of the articulated linkage. In this embodiment, shock absorber 158 is connected to articulated linkage 138 such that it controls movement of suspended assembly 108 relative to movable second end 136 of telescopic shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122 through the range of motion along second path 128. Shock absorber 158 also biases articulated linkage 138 into a position that allows front suspension system 102 to support main vehicle body 106 while allowing for the range of motion of suspension arrangement 126 along path 128.

As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this specific embodiment, shock absorber 158 is pivotally mounted to first link 140 of articulated linkage 138 at a pivot point 159. This embodiment of second suspension arrangement 126 also includes a linkage made up of a rocker arm 160 and a pull link 161 for connecting the movable end of shock absorber 158 to second link 142. Rocker arm 160 is pivotally connected to first link 140 of articulated linkage 138 at pivot point 150 such that rocker arm 160 is free to pivot about pivot point 150. This is the same pivot point that third link 144 is pivotally connected to first link 140. Rocker aim 160 further includes two additional spaced apart pivot points and pull link 161 also includes two spaced apart pivot points. With this specific linkage, one of the additional spaced apart pivot points of rocker arm 160 is pivotally connected to the movable end of shock absorber 158 at a pivot point 162. One of the spaced apart pivot points of pull link 161 is pivotally connected to the other additional spaced apart pivot point of rocker arm 160 at a pivot point 163. And finally, the other spaced apart pivot point of pull link 161 is pivotally connected to second link 142 of articulated linkage 138 at a pivot point 164.

With the above described configuration, as second link 142 pivots about its first pivot point 148 in response to movements of suspension arrangement 126, pull link 161 is forced to move as pivot point 164 on second link 142 moves. This movement of pull link 161 causes rocker arm 160 to move and pivot about pivot point 150 since rocker arm 160 is pivotally connected to pull link 161 at pivot point 163. This pivoting of rocker arm 160 causes movement of the movable end of shock absorber 158 since rocker aim 160 is pivotally connected to the movable end of shock absorber 158 at pivot point 162. In this specific embodiment, shock absorber 158 is a compression type shock absorber with a relatively central connection point 159 for pivotally connecting the body of shock absorber 158 to first link 140 of articulated linkage 138. This relatively central connection point 159 of shock absorber 158 is used in this example to minimize the change of the resistance rate that can occur as a result of the changing angle of the shock absorber as the length changes during the articulation of the connected linkage.

Although the specific embodiment of articulated linkage 138 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has been described as including rocker arm 160, this is not required. Instead, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, articulated linkage 138 and the arrangement for controlling the motion of linkage may be provided by a wide variety of suitable and readily providable articulated linkages and arrangements for controlling the motion of the linkage. Furthermore, although suspension arrangement 126 has been described as including shock absorber 158 as an arrangement for biasing articulated linkage into a desired configuration and controlling the movement of suspension arrangement 126 along path 128, this is not a requirement. Instead, any suitable and readily providable biasing and/or dampening arrangement may be used. This includes various spring arrangements with separate dampeners, compressible foam or polymer mounts, torsion bars with dampeners, or any other suitable and readily providable biasing and/or dampening arrangement.

Although first suspension arrangement 122 of vehicle 100 has been described as being provided by a telescoping shock absorber and second suspension arrangement 126 of vehicle 100 has been described as being provided by an articulated linkage with an additional shock absorber, this is not a requirement of the invention. Instead, it should be understood that the first and second suspension arrangements may be provided by any suitable and readily providable suspension arrangement. This includes various spring suspension arrangements with separate dampeners, compressible foam or polymer mounts, torsion bars with dampeners, various multi-link suspension arrangements, or any other suitable and readily providable suspension arrangement.

As mentioned above, suspended assembly 108 may be a steerable suspended assembly as illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, steerable suspended assembly 108 is connected to second suspension arrangement 126 such that at least portions of steerable suspended assembly 108 are rotatable relative to second suspension arrangement 126 about a first steering axis 166. In the case of vehicle 100, wheel hub 156 is pivotally connected to fourth link 146 of articulated linkage 138 such that wheel hub 156 may pivot about first steering axis 166. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the rotation or pivoting of the rotatable portions of the suspended assembly about first steering axis 166 may be controlled by any suitable and readily providable steering assembly. This may include, but is not limited to a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, or a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, second end 136 of telescopic shock absorber 130 may be rotatable about longitudinal axis 132 of telescopic shock absorber 130 relative to first end 134 of the telescopic shock absorber 130 and main body 106 of vehicle 100. This configuration of telescoping shock absorber 130 provides a second steering axis 168 that corresponds to longitudinal axis 132 of telescoping shock absorber 130. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the rotation or pivoting of second end 136 of telescoping shock absorber 130 causes second suspension arrangement 126 and suspended assembly 108 to rotate or pivot about second steering axis 168. This rotation or pivoting of second end 136 of telescoping shock absorber 130 may be controlled by any suitable and readily providable steering assembly. This may include, but is not limited to a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, or a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

Depending upon the specific requirements of a particular application, the first suspension arrangement, and therefore the range of motion of the first suspension arrangement along the first path, may be oriented in any desired orientation relative to the vehicle. For example, as illustrated best in FIG. 1, first suspension arrangement 122 and first path 124 may be primarily horizontal and parallel with the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of vehicle 100. However, as also illustrated in FIG. 1, first suspension arrangement 122 and first path 124 may be oriented at a slight angle from horizontal. For example, this angle may be in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal. Setting this angle to a particular angle for a specific application may allow the overall suspension system to be tuned to provide a desired set of operating characteristics for the specific application.

In a similar manner, the specific configuration of second suspension arrangement 126 determines the relative shape and orientation of the range of motion of suspended assembly 108 along second path 128. In the embodiment described above, second path 128 is a linear curved path relative to the position of second suspension arrangement 126. Again, it should be understood that the specific configuration of second suspension arrangement 126 may be arranged to provide desired suspension characteristics. This ability to design the configuration of the suspension system to provide desired suspension characteristics again allows the overall suspension system to be tuned to provide a specific set of operating characteristics for a specific application.

As mentioned above, the combination of the ability of second suspension arrangement 126 to move through a range of motion along second path 128 and first suspension arrangement 122 to move through a range of motion along first path 124 allows suspended assembly 108 to move through a variable path. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, this variable path suspension system may be used to allow the suspension system to respond to a wide variety of obstacles or terrain while providing improved stability and control of the vehicle.

As also mentioned above, the combination of the range of motion of first suspension arrangement 122 and the range of motion of second suspension arrangement 126 provide an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. However, it should be understood that the addition of a second steering axis such as second steering axis 168 as described above for telescoping shock absorber 130 introduces another degree of freedom for an overall suspension system such as suspension system 102. This means that suspension system 102 still provides a range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. However, this configuration also allows an overall range of motion for suspended assembly 108 relative to main body 106 that is defined by a volume rather than a surface area when the range of motion associated with the pivoting of the second steering axis is included in the overall range of motion of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, a second embodiment of a suspension system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to rear suspension system 104. In a manner similar to that described above for front suspension system 102, suspension system 104 includes a first suspension arrangement 170 that movably connects suspended assembly 110 (which in this example includes rear wheel 120) to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. First suspension arrangement 170 controls movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through a range of motion along a first path 172 that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. This allows rear suspension system 104 to support main body 106 of vehicle 100 while also providing lateral stability to the vehicle. In this example, path 172 is primarily horizontal and parallel with the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

Rear suspension system 104 also includes a second suspension arrangement 174 that controls movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through a range of motion along a second path 176 that is also primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. This again allows rear suspension system 104 to support main body 106 of vehicle 100 while also providing lateral stability to the vehicle. In this example, path 176 is primarily vertical and perpendicular to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, second path 176 of second suspension arrangement 174 is different than first path 172 of first suspension arrangement 170. With this configuration, rear suspension system 104 may use the combination of the range of motion of first suspension arrangement 170 along first path 172 and the range of motion of second suspension arrangement 174 along second path 176 to provide a combined range of motion for suspended assembly 110 relative to main body 106 that is defined by a surface area. In the embodiment being described, this surface area is defined by a planar surface area. As mentioned above and in accordance with aspects of this disclosure, this configuration allows suspended assembly 110 to move through a variable path relative to main vehicle body 106 in response to obstacles. This variable path suspension system may be used to allow the suspension system to respond to a wide variety of obstacles or terrain while providing improved stability and control of the vehicle.

Although first path 172 associated with first suspension arrangement 170 has been described as being primarily horizontal and second path 176 associated with second suspension arrangement 174 has been described as being primarily vertical, this is not a requirement. Instead, as mentioned above for front suspension system 102, the suspension arrangements may be oriented in any desired manner such that the paths defined by the range of motion associated with the suspension arrangements are oriented at any desired orientation or angle relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. It should be understood that any of these configurations remain within the scope of the invention.

As illustrated best in FIG. 4, suspension system 104 includes an articulated linkage 178 that connects suspended assembly 110 to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. In this embodiment, first suspension arrangement 170 includes a first biasing and dampening arrangement 180 connected between hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 and articulated linkage 178 to control movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through the range of motion along first path 172. Second suspension arrangement 174 includes a second biasing and dampening arrangement 182 connected between hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 and articulated linkage 178 to control movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through the range of motion along second path 176.

In the embodiment being described, first and second biasing and dampening arrangements 180 and 182 are pull shocks. However, as mentioned above, this is not a requirement. Instead, any suitable and readily providable biasing and dampening arrangement may be used. This includes various spring arrangements with separate dampeners, compressible foam or polymer mounts, torsion bars with dampeners, or any other suitable and readily providable biasing and dampening arrangement.

In the case of suspension system 104, articulated linkage 178 includes a first link 184, a second link 186, a third link 188, and a fourth link 190. Each of the links has a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. In this embodiment, articulated linkage 178 connects suspended assembly 110 directly to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. The first pivot point of first link 184 and the first pivot point of fourth link 190 are pivotally connected to one another and pivotally connected to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 at a first articulated linkage pivot point 192. The second pivot point of first link 184 is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of second link 186 at a second articulated linkage pivot point 194. The second pivot point of fourth link 190 is pivotally connected to the first pivot point of third link 188 at a third articulated linkage pivot point 196. The second pivot point of second link 186 and the second pivot point of third link 188 are pivotally connected to one another at a fourth articulated linkage pivot point 198. And finally, in this embodiment, rear wheel 120 of suspended assembly 110 is rotatably connected to articulated linkage 178 at fourth articulated linkage pivot point 198.

As shown in FIG. 4, first suspension arrangement 170 includes first biasing and dampening arrangement 180 that is connected between hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 and first link 184 of articulated linkage 178. First biasing and dampening arrangement 180 controls the movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through the range of motion along first path 172 when second suspension arrangement 174 is held in place. Second suspension arrangement 174 includes second biasing and dampening arrangement 182 connected between hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 and fourth link 190 of articulated linkage 178. Second biasing and dampening arrangement 182 controls the movement of suspended assembly 110 relative to main vehicle body 106 through the range of motion along second path 176 when first suspension arrangement 170 is held in place.

Although biasing and dampening arrangements 180 and 182 are described as being respectively connected to first link 184 and fourth link 190, this is not a requirement. Instead, the biasing and dampening arrangements may be connected to any portion of the articulated linkage in any manner that allows them in combination to control the movement of the suspended assembly through a desired range of variable paths that are dictated by the range of motion associated with the articulated linkage.

The above described suspension system configurations provide variable path suspension systems that may be used in vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, off-road vehicles, or any other desired vehicle. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, these variable path suspension systems utilize multiple suspension arrangements to allow a suspended assembly such as a wheel, tread, ski, skid, float, or any other desired suspended assembly to move along a variable path relative to the rest of the vehicle. The use of this variable path suspension system allows the suspension system to respond to a wide variety of obstacles or terrain while providing improved stability and control of the vehicle.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the action of front suspension system 102 will be described in more detail to illustrate the capabilities of suspension systems designed in accordance with this disclosure. When front wheel 118 initially strikes an obstacle such as a large rock, the initial reaction is that the force of the impact will tend to stop the forward progress of wheel 118. The momentum of the bicycle will cause telescoping shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122 to compress. This is because shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122 is the suspension arrangement that provides the range of motion in the horizontal direction in this embodiment. This compression of telescoping shock absorber 130 allows some time for second suspension arrangement 126 (which in this embodiment includes articulated linkage 138) to react to the obstacle by allowing front wheel 118 to move up vertically so that it can proceed over the obstacle. At this point, both suspension arrangements 122 and 126 are heavily loaded as best illustrated in FIG. 2. However, because front suspension system 102 allows front wheel 118 to move both horizontally and vertically relative to the main body of the bicycle, the force of the impact with the obstacle is spread out over a much longer time than would be the case with a conventional suspension system. This very significantly reduces the intensity of the impact.

As front wheel 118 rides up the obstacle, the heavy loading of telescoping shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122 begins to push wheel 118 forward over the obstacle. This allows front wheel 118 to crawl over the obstacle as first suspension arrangement 122 unloads and moves back to its original position. The heavy loading of second suspension arrangement 126 then pushes front wheel 118 hack down as the front wheel clears the obstacle. This allows second suspension arrangement 126 to unload and move back to its original position.

In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, the suspension path that is described above and that the suspended assembly travels relative to the main body of the vehicle is a variable path. In other words, the path that the suspended assembly follows during the loading of the suspension arrangements is very different than the path that the suspended assembly follows during the unloading of the suspension arrangements. In the example described above, the suspended assembly initially moves primarily back horizontally, then primarily up vertically, then primarily forward horizontally, and finally primarily down vertically. This ability to travel through a wide variety of variable paths allows this type of variable path suspension to respond to a wide variety of obstacles or terrain while providing improved stability and control of the vehicle.

The variable path suspension systems described herein allow a suspended assembly to move through a range of motion that provides time for the suspension system to react to obstacles it encounters. This reaction time significantly reduces that impact forces associated with encountering the obstacle. This in turn reduces the stresses placed on the vehicle and may provide a smoother ride compared to conventional suspension systems. This may also allow the variable path suspension systems described herein to keep a suspended assembly in better contact with the surface supporting the vehicle compared to conventional suspension systems. This may provide improved handling and safety for the vehicle.

Although vehicle 100 has been described as a two wheeled, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. Instead, vehicle 100 may be a tricycle or a quadracycle and still remain within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, vehicle 100 may be a human powered vehicle using a pedal and crank assembly to rotationally drive the rear wheel of the vehicle as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Alternatively, vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. For example, vehicle 100 may include a wheel hub motor 200 as part of front wheel hub 156.

In some situations, the variable path suspension system described herein may act as a safety system to a degree, by absorbing some of the impact associated with a collision. For example, if vehicle 100 collides with an obstacle that front wheel 118 is not able to pass over, telescoping shock absorber 130 of first suspension arrangement 122 would act as an impact reduction system by compressing along the primarily horizontal direction along first path 124. This relative motion between front wheel 118 and main vehicle body 106 provides some time for the rider and the vehicle to react to the impact and may significantly reduce the impact forces that are transferred to the rider.

Referring now to FIG. 5, vehicle 100 may further include a suspension adjusting system 202 for adjusting the suspension action of suspension systems 102 and 104. Suspension adjusting system 202 may include one or more sensor arrangements 204 for detecting certain characteristics of the movement of the suspension system. For example, sensors 204 may sense the pressures associated with shock absorbers 130 and 158 of front suspension system 102 and shock absorbers 180 and 182 of rear suspension system 104. Suspension systems 102 and 104 may include one or more adjusting arrangements 206 for modifying the function of elements of the suspension system in response to the certain characteristics sensed by the sensing arrangement. For example, adjusting arrangements 206 may adjust the stiffness, pressure, range of travel, or any other characteristic of the elements of the suspension such as shock absorbers 130, 158, 180, and 182. Suspension adjusting system 202 may also include a control arrangement 208 configured to control adjusting arrangements 206. Control arrangement 208 may be a manual control that allows the rider to manually select different settings for adjusting arrangements 206 to provide different suspension system characteristics. Alternatively, control arrangement 208 may be an automated control or computer control that uses information provided by sensing arrangements 204 and automatically selects different settings for adjusting arrangements 206 to provide different suspension system characteristics.

In one example of a suspension adjusting system for a bicycle, the system may include a setting that configures the suspension system such that a degree of the relatively horizontal suspension travel is required first before allowing the relatively vertical suspension to activate. Alternatively, the spring rate of the relatively vertical suspension may be decreased once a pre-determined amount of relatively horizontal suspension travel has been met. These approaches may offer a system that assists in counteracting the bobbing effect of the rider in the vertical direction that can result from the pedaling motion. This may reduce or eliminate the activation of the suspension system due to the bobbing effect and may avoid wasting the rider's energy on the activation of the suspension system in response to the bobbing effect. This allows the rider to have suspension when needed, but not waste energy when suspension is not needed.

In another example, the sensing arrangement of the suspension system may be used to sense impact information from the front wheel or wheels of the vehicle when an obstacle is hit. The control arrangement may use this impact information to rapidly adjust and prepare the rear suspension for the impact in a more efficient manner.

In the embodiment illustrated by rear suspension system 104 in FIGS. 1 and 4, both first suspension arrangement 170 and second suspension arrangement 174 movably connect suspended assembly 110 to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. This is different than the embodiment described above for front suspension system 102 in which the two suspension arrangements are connected in series. That is, in front suspension system 102, suspended assembly 108 was connected to second suspension arrangement 126, second suspension arrangement 126 was in turn connected to first suspension arrangement 122, and first suspension arrangement 122 was in turn connected to main vehicle body 106. This serial connection of the suspension arrangements in front suspension system 102 allows that configuration to provide a second axis of steering as mentioned above and as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Although the serial connection of the suspension arrangements in front suspension system 102 allows that configuration to provide a second axis of steering, this serial connection of the suspension arrangements is not a requirement. Instead, any desired configuration that uses multiple suspension arrangements that allow, the suspended assembly to move through a variable path as described above would remain within the scope of the invention. For example, in another embodiment that provides a second steering axis, the telescoping shock absorber 130 of front suspension system 102 may be replaced with a base plate that is rotationally attached to hub arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106. This base plate may be controlled by a steering mechanism to provide the second axis of steering in a manner similar to that described above for telescoping shock absorber 130. With this configuration, telescoping shock absorber 130 would no longer be available to provide the first suspension arrangement for suspension system 102. Instead, articulated linkage 138 may be configured in a manner similar to that described above for articulated linkage 178 with an additional biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the base plate and one of the links of the articulated linkage to provide the additional suspension arrangement.

As described above for suspension system 104, articulated linkage 178 may be pivotally connected directly to huh arrangement 112 of main vehicle body 106 as indicated by pivot point 192 in FIG. 4. The use of pivot point 192 to pivotally connect articulated linkage 178 to huh arrangement 112 means that pivot point 192 will remain in the same location relative to main vehicle body 106 regardless of the movement of suspended assembly 110 and rear wheel 120. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, this allows pivot point 192 to be used as a rotational drive input location for a rotational drive input such as a crank assembly 210. This rotational drive may be transmitted through rotational drive transmitting links that make up some of the links of the articulated linkage of the suspension system.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, a rotational drive transmission arrangement 212 designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, rotational drive transmission arrangement 212 includes a drive transmitting articulated linkage 214 that makes up a portion of articulated linkage 178 of rear suspension system 104. Drive transmitting articulated linkage 214 includes a plurality of rotational drive transmitting links that each have a first and a second spaced apart hinge point. As shown best in FIG. 6, drive transmitting articulated linkage 214 includes a first rotational drive transmitting link provided by first link 184 of articulated linkage 178 and a second rotational drive transmitting link provided by second link 186 of articulated linkage 178. The first and second spaced apart hinge points of drive transmitting links 184 and 186 each have an associated axis of rotation that provides a pivot point for drive transmitting articulated linkage 214. In this case, the first hinge point and associated axis of rotation for drive transmitting link 184 is located at pivot point 192 of articulated linkage 178. The second hinge point and associated axis of rotation for drive transmitting link 184 is located at pivot point 194 of articulated linkage 178. The first hinge point and associated axis of rotation for drive transmitting link 186 is also located at pivot point 194 of articulated linkage 178 where link 184 is pivotally connected to link 186. And finally, the second hinge point and associated axis of rotation for drive transmitting link 186 is located at pivot point 198 of articulated linkage 178.

In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, each rotational drive transmitting link includes a driven member, a drive member, and a drive mechanism that allows the driven member to drive the drive member of the rotational drive transmitting link. In this example, first rotational drive transmitting link 184 includes a driven member 216 that is supported and rotates about the axis of the first hinge point of rotational drive transmitting link 184 at pivot point 192 of drive transmitting articulated linkage 214. Second rotational drive transmitting link 186 also includes a driven member 218 that is supported and rotates about the axis of the first hinge point of rotational drive transmitting link 186 at axis or pivot point 194 of drive transmitting articulated linkage 214. First rotational drive transmitting link 184 further includes a drive member 220. Drive member 220 is supported and rotates about the axis of the second hinge point of rotational drive transmitting link 184 at pivot point 194 of drive transmitting articulated linkage 214. And, second rotational drive transmitting link 186 further includes a drive member 222 that is supported and rotates about the axis of the second hinge point of rotational drive transmitting link 186 at pivot point 198 of drive transmitting articulated linkage 214.

Each rotational drive transmitting link also includes a rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational movement from the driven member of the rotational drive transmitting link to the drive member of the rotational drive transmitting link. In this example, first link 184 includes a rotational drive mechanism 224 and second link 186 includes a rotational drive mechanism 226. Rotational drive mechanisms 224 and 226 may be any suitable and readily providable drive mechanism such as a chain drive, a belt drive, a shaft drive, a gear drive, or any other drive mechanism.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, crank assembly 210 may be connected to driven member 216 of first rotational drive transmitting link 184 such that driven member 216 rotates with crank assembly 210. First and second rotational drive transmitting links 184 and 186 are connected to one another in series with the second hinge point of first rotational drive transmitting link 184 being pivotally connected to the first hinge point of second rotational drive transmitting link 186 at pivot point 194. Additionally, drive member 220 of first rotational drive transmitting link 184 is connected to driven member 218 of second rotational drive transmitting link 186 such that drive member 220 of first link 184 rotationally drives driven member 218 of second link 186. This causes both drive member 220 of first link 184 and driven member 218 of second link 186 to rotate about the associated axis or pivot point 194 of drive transmitting articulated linkage 214 thereby providing the transmission of any rotational drive through rotational drive transmitting links 184 and 186.

As shown best in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the rotational drive transmitting links described above may include an enclosed space that houses the associated drive member, driven member, and drive mechanism of the rotational drive transmitting link. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of second rotational drive transmitting link 186 in which rotational drive mechanism 226 is provided as a geared shaft drive that is housed within second link 186.

Drive transmitting articulated linkage 214 may further include a shifting arrangement 228 for changing the drive ratio of the drive transmitting articulated linkage. Shifting arrangement 228 may be any suitable and readily providable shifting arrangement including a geared shifting arrangement, a planetary gear shifting arrangement, a sprocket shifting arrangement, a continuously variable pulley shifting arrangement, or any other desired shifting arrangement. Shifting arrangement 228 may include a selecting arrangement 230 for selecting any of the drive ratios that are available from the shifting arrangement. Selecting arrangement may be any suitable and readily providable selecting arrangement including a manual selecting arrangement such as a cable assembly, an automated selecting arrangement that automatically selects a drive ratio based on a particular characteristic of the rotational drive transmission such as torque or rotational speed, or any other desired selecting arrangement.

Although shifting arrangement 228 and selecting arrangement 230 have been described as being located within first rotational drive transmitting link 184, this is not a requirement. Instead, shifting arrangement 228 and selecting arrangement 230 may be located within a spindle arrangement associated with crank assembly 210, within a hub arrangement associated with rear wheel 120, or at any other desired location along the drive line from the crank assembly to the drive wheel.

Furthermore, although rotational drive transmission 212 has been described as being a rotational drive transmission for a bicycle, this is not a requirement. Instead, it should be understood that the rotational drive transmission described herein may be used in any desired application including a wide variety of vehicles such as motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, off-road vehicles, or any other type of vehicle and remain within the scope of the invention.

The configuration described above for vehicle 100 and front suspension system 102 provides a multi-axis steering system designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, this embodiment of a multi-axis steering system, which is designated by reference numeral 300, will be described in more detail. As indicated above, vehicle 100 has a main vehicle body 106 and steerable front wheel 118 that supports main body 106 of vehicle 100. Front wheel 118 has a front wheel axis 302 around which front wheel 118 rotates in a wheel rotational plane that is perpendicular to front wheel axis 302. Front wheel 118 assists in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel for the vehicle.

Multi-axis steering system 300 includes a first steering arrangement 304 that controls movement of front wheel 118 relative to main vehicle body 106 such that front wheel 118 pivots about first steering axis 166. As was described above, front wheel 118 is part of steerable suspended assembly 108 which is connected to second suspension arrangement 126 such that at least portions of steerable suspended assembly 108 are rotatable relative to second suspension arrangement 126 about first steering axis 166. In the case of vehicle 100, wheel hub 156 is pivotally connected to fourth link 146 of articulated linkage 138 such that wheel hub 156 may pivot about first steering axis 166. The rotation or pivoting of the rotatable portions of suspended assembly 106, including wheel hub 156 and front wheel 118, about first steering axis 166 is controlled by first steering arrangement 304. In this embodiment, first steering arrangement 304 is a cable steering assembly.

Although first steering arrangement 304 is described as being a cable steering assembly, it should be understood that the first steering arrangement may be any suitable and readily providable steering arrangement. This may include a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, a mechanical push rod steering assembly, or any other desired steering assembly.

Multi-axis steering system 300 also includes a second steering arrangement 306 that controls movement of front wheel 118 relative to main vehicle body 106 such that front wheel pivots about second steering axis 168. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, the second steering axis is different than the first steering axis.

As was also described above, second end 136 of telescopic shock absorber 130 is rotatable about longitudinal axis 132 of telescopic shock absorber 130 relative to first end 134 of the telescopic shock absorber 130 and main body 106 of vehicle 100. This configuration of telescoping shock absorber 130 provides second steering axis 168 that corresponds to longitudinal axis 132 of telescoping shock absorber 130. The rotation or pivoting of second end 136 of telescoping shock absorber 130 causes second suspension arrangement 126 and suspended assembly 108 to rotate or pivot about second steering axis 168. This rotation or pivoting of second end 136 of telescoping shock absorber 130 is controlled by second steering arrangement 306. In this embodiment, second steering arrangement 306 is a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

Although second steering arrangement 306 is described as being a mechanical push rod steering assembly, it should be understood that the second steering arrangement may be any suitable and readily providable steering arrangement. This may include a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, or any other desired steering assembly.

First steering axis 166 may be primarily vertical allowing first steering arrangement 304 to move front wheel 118 through a range of motion that pivots the wheel rotational plane of front wheel 118 relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of vehicle 100. Additionally, second steering axis 168 may be primarily horizontal allowing second steering arrangement 306 to move front wheel 118 through a range of motion that tilts the wheel rotational plane of front wheel 118 relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of vehicle 100.

Alternatively, second steering axis 168 of second steering arrangement 306 may be oriented at an angle relative to horizontal. This angle may be in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal. By adjusting this angle, the suspension action and the steering action may be tuned for specific applications or vehicle designs.

As illustrated best in FIG. 9, handle bar support arrangement 116 supports a handle bar 308. Handle bar 308 is pivotally connected to an outward end 310 of handle bar support arrangement 116 such that handle bar 308 pivots about a first handle bar steering axis 312. In this embodiment, first handle bar steering axis 312 is primarily vertical and first steering arrangement 304 is connected to handle bar 308 such that pivotal movement of handle bar 308 about first handle bar steering axis 312 causes a corresponding pivotal movement of steerable front wheel 118 about first steering axis 166.

Handle bar 308 is also pivotally connected to handle bar support arrangement 116 such that handle bar 308 pivots about a second handle bar steering axis 314 that is a different axis than first handle bar steering axis 312. In this embodiment, second handle bar steering axis 314 is primarily horizontal and second steering arrangement 306 is connected to handle bar 308 such that pivotal movement of handle bar 308 about second handle bar steering axis 314 causes a corresponding tilting movement of steerable front wheel 118 about second steering axis 168.

Although the above described multi-axis steering system has been described with reference to a bicycle, this is not a requirement. Instead, it should be understood that these configurations may be used to provide multi-axis steering systems that may be used in any other desired vehicle.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, the above described steering configuration provides a steering arrangement that is located within the axle of a suspended assembly. As described above, steering system 300 may be used in vehicle 100 that includes main vehicle body 106, suspended assembly 108, and front suspension system 102 for connecting suspended assembly 108 to main body 106 of vehicle 100. Suspended assembly 108 includes steerable front wheel 118 which supports main body 106 of vehicle 100. Steering system 300 includes an axle 316 that makes up a portion of suspended assembly 108. Axle 316 has an axle rotational axis designated by front wheel axis 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, suspended assembly 108 further includes a first bearing 318 and a second bearing 320 that are spaced apart from one another along axle rotational axis 302. Bearings 318 and 320 support front wheel 118 for rotation about axle 316 around front wheel axis 302. First and second bearings 318 and 320 have a relatively large diameter such that axle 316 defines a relatively large opening 322 within axle 316 that is located between spaced apart bearings 318 and 320. Bearings 318 and 320 also have outer bearing surfaces that support front wheel 118 for rotation about axle 316 and inner bearing surfaces that are supported by axle 316.

As was describe above, steering system 300 includes first steering arrangement 304 and fourth link 146 of articulated linkage 138 that defines first steering axis 166. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, fourth link 146 and portions of first steering arrangement 304 are located within opening 322 of axle 316. Axle 316 is pivotally connected to fourth link 146 and first steering arrangement 304 such that axle 316 is movable about first steering axis 166. With this configuration, steering system 300 uses first steering arrangement 304 as a steering actuator such that first steering arrangement 304 controls the movement of axle 316 about first steering axis 166.

The above describe configuration allows the elements located within opening 322 of axle 316, such as fourth link 146 and portions of first steering arrangement 304, to be connected to second suspension arrangement 126 and to axle 316 without them having to rotate about axle 316. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, this allows the steering mechanism and steering axis associated with a steering system to be located within the axle of the suspended assembly that is being steered. This provides an inherently stable steering arrangement.

As shown best in FIG. 8, opening 322 within axle 316 has a generally cylindrical shape. Although opening 322 is describe in this embodiment as having a cylindrical shape, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. Instead, opening 322 may be a sphere, a combination of portions of a sphere, a combination of one or more cylinders and portions of a sphere or spheres, or any other desired volumetric shape.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing position adjusting systems for use in a wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, these position adjusting systems allow a rider of the vehicle to easily adjust their riding position and the configuration of the vehicle as they are riding the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10-11, a first embodiment of a position adjusting arrangement 400 designed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to vehicle 100. As mentioned above, vehicle 100 includes seat support arrangement 114, handle bar support arrangement 116, rear wheel 120, steerable front wheel 118, steering arrangement 300, and hub arrangement 112 for interconnecting components of vehicle 100. Steering arrangement 300 includes handle bar 308 for allowing the rider to control steerable front wheel 118 and seat support arrangement 114 includes a seat 402 for supporting the rider. In this embodiment, seat support arrangement 114 is an adjustable seat support arrangement pivotally connected to hub arrangement 112 and handle bar support arrangement 116 is an adjustable handle bar support arrangement pivotally connected to hub arrangement 112. Position adjusting arrangement 400 further includes a releasable position locking arrangement 404 that is releasable by the rider when the rider is riding vehicle 100. Position locking arrangement 404 is configured to lock the relative positions of hub arrangement 112, adjustable seat support arrangement 114, and adjustable handle bar support arrangement 116 when position locking arrangement 404 is not released by the rider.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, position adjusting arrangement 400 includes a variable length link 406 for connecting adjustable seat support arrangement 114 to adjustable handle bar support arrangement 116. Variable length link 406 has a first end 408 that is pivotally connected to adjustable handle bar support arrangement 116 and a second end 410 that is pivotally connected to adjustable seat support arrangement 114. Position locking arrangement 404 includes a link locking arrangement 412 for locking variable length link 406 at a desired length.

The above described configuration of position adjusting arrangement 400 allows a rider to adjust the position of handle bar support arrangement 116 relative to seat support arrangement 114 by releasing link locking arrangement 412. This is illustrated best in FIGS. 10 and 11 with FIG. 10 showing handle bar support arrangement 116 moved forward and away from seat support arrangement 114 and FIG. 11 showing handle bar support arrangement 116 moved backward towards seat support arrangement 114.

Position adjusting arrangement 400 may also include a biasing arrangement 414 for connecting adjustable seat support arrangement 114 to another portion of vehicle 100. In this example, biasing arrangement 414 takes the form of a shock absorber for biasing seat support arrangement 114 into a desired position and dampening the movement of seat support arrangement 114. Shock absorber 414 has a first end 416 that is pivotally connected to adjustable seat support arrangement 114 and a second end 418 that is pivotally connected to link 190 of articulated linkage 178 of rear suspension system 104.

In the embodiment being described, adjustable seat support arrangement 114 and adjustable handle bar support arrangement 116 are pivotally connected to one another at a pivot point 420. Adjustable seat support arrangement 114 and adjustable handle bar support arrangement 116 are also pivotally connected to hub arrangement 112 at this same pivot point 420. This allows the combination of seat support arrangement 114 and handle bar arrangement 116 to pivot together about pivot point 420 relative to hub arrangement 112. In this embodiment, hub arrangement 112 further includes a second pivot point 422 at which hub arrangement 112 is pivotally connected to telescoping shock absorber 130 of front suspension system 102. Pivot point 422 of hub arrangement 112 is configured such that pivot point 420 of hub arrangement may be moved forward or backward relative to telescoping shock absorber 130 and the rest of vehicle 100 as hub arrangement 112 pivots about pivot point 422. Position locking arrangement 404 further includes a hub locking arrangement 424 for locking the position of hub arrangement 112 relative to telescoping shock absorber 130.

The above described configuration of position adjusting arrangement 400 allows a rider to adjust the position of the combination of handle bar support arrangement 116 and seat support arrangement 114 relative to the rest of vehicle 100 by releasing hub locking arrangement 424. This is shown best in FIGS. 10 and 11 with FIG. 10 showing the combination of handle bar support arrangement 116 and seat support arrangement 114 moved forward relative to the rest of vehicle 100 and FIG. 11 showing the combination of handle bar support arrangement 116 and seat support arrangement moved backward towards relative to the rest of vehicle 100. This is possible because the only other connection between the combination of handle bar support arrangement 116 and seat support arrangement 114 is biasing arrangement 414 which is pivotally connected at both of its ends between seat support arrangement 114 and rear suspension system 104. Therefore, the pivoting of hub arrangement 112 about pivot point 422 will cause the pivoting of biasing arrangement 414 about its pivotally connected ends allowing the back and forth movement of the combination of seat support arrangement 114 and handle bar support arrangement 116.

Link locking arrangement 412 and hub locking arrangement 424 may be any suitable and readily providable locking arrangement including a clamping arrangement, a cam lock arrangement, or any other desired locking arrangement. For example, these locking arrangements may be provided by spring-loaded clamps that are normally biased into a locked position. Furthermore, the mechanisms for allowing the rider to release the locking arrangements may be any suitable and readily providable release mechanism. For example, the locking arrangements may be released by the rider using a cable system that is actuated by twist grips or thumb levers located on the handle bar.

Although position adjusting arrangement 400 has be described as including variable length link 406 and pivoting hub arrangement 112, it should be understood that position adjusting arrangement may include additional position adjusting features. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, handle bar support arrangement 116 may be an articulated linkage having a first link 426 and a second link 428 that are pivotally connected at pivot point 430 to allow the height of handle bar 308 to be adjusted. Pivot point 430 may include a locking arrangement for locking the position of second link 428 relative to first link 426.

Although hub arrangement 112 has been described as being pivotally connected to telescoping shock absorber 130 to provide the front to back adjustment of seat support arrangement 114 and handle bar support arrangement 116, this is not a requirement. Instead, any suitable and readily providable mechanism that allows the front to back adjustment of seat support arrangement 114 and handle bar support arrangement 116 may be used. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a slidable track 432 may be used to provide this feature.

Referring to FIG. 12, a rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement 500 designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure will be described in more detail. Rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement 500 may be used in a vehicle 502 including a frame 504, a suspended rear drive wheel 506 that supports frame 504, and a suspension system 508 for connecting rear drive wheel 506 to frame 504. Suspension adjusting arrangement 500 includes a configuration adjusting arrangement 510 for changing the positioning of suspension system 508 relative to frame 504 such that suspension system 508 may be moved into an uphill configuration when vehicle 502 is traveling uphill and such that suspension system 508 may be moved into a downhill configuration when vehicle 502 is traveling downhill. Suspension adjusting arrangement 500 also includes an activating arrangement 512 for activating configuration adjusting arrangement 510 to cause configuration adjusting arrangement 510 to change the positioning of suspension system 508 relative to frame 504 while vehicle 502 is being used.

In a first embodiment, vehicle 502 further includes a crank set assembly 514 having a crank set rotational axis 516. Crank set assembly 514 is configured to allow a rider to input a rotational drive about crank set rotational axis 516 for driving rear drive wheel 506. Rear wheel 506 has a rear wheel axis 518 and suspension system 508 has an effective swing arm length L that extends from crank set rotational axis 516 to rear wheel axis 518. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, configuration adjusting arrangement 510 decreases effective swing arm length L when vehicle 502 is traveling uphill and increases effective swing arm length L when vehicle 502 is traveling downhill.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, activating arrangement 512 includes a pivoting member 520 that is pivotally connected to frame 504 of vehicle 502 about a pivoting member rotational axis 522 that is parallel to, but spaced apart from, crank set rotational axis 516. Crank set rotational axis 516 is located below pivoting member rotational axis 520 when vehicle 502 is in an upright position such that the weight of the rider on crank set assembly 514 causes pivoting member 520 to pivot. With this configuration, the weight of the rider on crank set assembly 514 causes crank set rotational axis 516 to move toward the front of frame 504 when vehicle 502 is traveling downhill and causes crank set rotational axis 516 to move toward the rear of frame 504 when vehicle 502 is traveling uphill.

Configuration adjusting arrangement 510 further includes a suspension pivot point 524 that is located on pivoting member 520 above pivoting member rotational axis 522 when vehicle 502 is in an upright position. Suspension system 508 is pivotally connected to suspension pivot point 524 of pivoting member 520 of suspension adjusting arrangement 500 such that the weight of the rider on crank set assembly 514 causes pivoting member 520 to pivot with suspension pivot point 524 moving toward the rear of frame 504 causing suspension system 508 to move into a downhill configuration when vehicle 502 is traveling downhill. With this configuration, suspension pivot point 524 moves toward the front of frame 504 causing suspension system 508 to move into an uphill configuration when vehicle 502 is traveling uphill.

Suspension adjusting arrangement 500 may further include a dampening arrangement 526 for dampening the speed of the pivoting of pivoting member 520 of activating arrangement 512. Alternatively, dampening arrangement 526 may take the form of an actuator for mechanically controlling the pivoting of pivoting member 520. In this case, actuator 526 may be any suitable and readily providable actuator including a motorized actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a cable driven actuator, a push rod driven actuator, a magnetic actuator, or any other desired actuator. In some embodiments, actuator 526 may be manually controlled by an operator of the vehicle. Alternatively, activating arrangement 512 may include a sensor arrangement 528 for sensing when vehicle is traveling uphill and downhill, and actuator 526 may be automatically controlled.

Vehicle 502 may include a front wheel 530 such that vehicle 502 has a wheel base that is defined by the distance W between front wheel 530 and the rear wheel 506. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, suspension adjusting arrangement 500 changes the wheel base of the vehicle as configuration adjusting arrangement 510 moves suspension system 508 between the uphill configuration and the downhill configuration.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing a signal arrangement for use in a vehicle by a vehicle operator to indicate the intentions of the operator of the vehicle. The signal arrangement may be used in vehicles such as a bicycle, a tricycle, a quadracycle, a motorcycles, an automobile, an off-road vehicle, or any other desired vehicle. In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, the signal arrangement includes a plurality of signaling elements configured to indicate the operator's intention to continue traveling in a primarily straight-ahead direction.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-f , a signal arrangement 600 designed in accordance with the invention will be described. In this embodiment, signal arrangement 600 includes a plurality of signaling elements 602. Signal elements 602 include a plurality of vertically spaced apart, upwardly pointing, lighted arrows 604. In this example, signal arrangement 600 includes three lighted arrows 604 a, 604 b, and 604 c. As illustrated in FIG. 13a , signal arrangement 600 further includes a controller 606 that is configured to control the illumination of signal elements 602. As illustrated by FIGS. 13a-c and in accordance with aspects of this disclosure, controller 606 is configured to illuminate lighted arrows 604 a-c in sequence from lowermost lighted arrow 604 a to uppermost lighted arrow 604 c when the operator activates signal arrangement 600 to indicate the intention to continue traveling in the primarily straight-ahead direction.

Signal arrangement 600 may further include additional lighted elements 608 that may combine with uppermost lighted arrow 604 c to provide a lighted X that may be used to indicate braking or the intention to stop as illustrated in FIG. 13d . Signal arrangement 600 may also include lighted arrows 610 and 612 that may be respectively used to indicate a right turn or a left turn as illustrated in FIGS. 13e and 13f . In a preferred embodiment for use with a bicycle, signal arrangement may use LEDs to provide light sources for each of signal elements 602 and signal arrangement 600 may be mounted to the bottom back portion of the bicycle seat.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing a bicycle seat for supporting a bicycle rider on a bicycle. Referring now to FIG. 14, a bicycle seat 700 includes a saddle 702 for supporting the rider when bicycle seat 700 is attached to a bicycle. Saddle 702 has a nose portion 704 located at the front of saddle 702 when bicycle seat 700 is attached to the bicycle. Bicycle seat 700 also includes a scat mount 706. Seat mount 706 has a first end 708 configured to allow bicycle seat 700 to be attached to the bicycle. Seat mount 706 also has a second end 710 that is pivotally connected to saddle 702 such that seat mount 706 supports saddle 702 and such that nose portion 704 of saddle 702 is free to pivot relative to seat mount 706 when seat 700 is attached to the bicycle. Bicycle seat 700 further includes a biasing arrangement 712 connected between seat mount 706 and nose portion 704 of saddle 702. Biasing arrangement 712 is configured to bias nose portion 704 of saddle 702 into a desired position when bicycle seat 700 is attached to the bicycle. Biasing arrangement 712 allows nose portion 704 of saddle 702 to pivot downward relative to the rider when pressure is applied to nose portion 704 of saddle 702. The bicycle may include a frame 714 and scat mount 706 may include a seat post 716 for attaching bicycle seat 700 to frame 714 with seat post 716 being slidably connected to frame 714 to allow the position of bicycle seat 700 to be adjusted relative to frame 714.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and arrangements for providing a collision impact reduction system for a vehicle. Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a first example of a collision impact reduction system 800 designed in accordance with aspects of this disclosure will be described. Collision impact reduction system 800 is designed for use in a passenger carrying vehicle such as vehicle 802 of FIGS. 15 and 16 and collision impact reduction system 800 is designed to reduce the impact force associated with a collision on a passenger in a passenger carrying vehicle 802. Collision impact reduction system 800 includes a suspended passenger compartment 804 for carrying at least one passenger. Suspended passenger compartment 804 is supported within vehicle 802 such that suspended passenger compartment 804 is movable within the vehicle in at least one direction in response to vehicle 802 colliding with another object. Collision impact reduction system 800 also includes at least one shock absorbing mount, indicated by front shock absorbing mount 806 and rear shock absorbing mount 808 in this embodiment, for supporting suspended passenger compartment 804 within vehicle 802. Shock absorbing mounts 806 and 808 are attached between suspended passenger compartment 804 and another portion of vehicle 802 to dampen the impact force associated with the collision. This reduces the impact force that is transferred from vehicle 802 to suspended passenger compartment 804 and the passenger in the at least one direction that suspended passenger compartment 804 is able to move within vehicle 802.

Collision impact reduction system 800 may include a guide track 810 that extends in a longitudinal direction 812 within vehicle 802. Suspended passenger compartment 804 may be connected to guide track 810 such that suspended passenger compartment 804 is movable in longitudinal direction 812. Suspended passenger compartment 804 may also be connected to guide track 810 such that suspended passenger compartment 804 may pivot about longitudinal direction 812 of guide track 810 as shown best in FIG. 16.

Collision impact reduction system 800 may include one or more linear bearings 814 for pivotally connecting suspended passenger compartment 804 to guide track 810 in a manner that allows suspended passenger compartment 804 to slide along guide track 810 in longitudinal direction 812 in a front to back manner with respect to vehicle 802. This configuration also allows suspended passenger compartment 804 to have some rotationally movement about guide track 810. Collision impact reduction system 800 may include additional shock absorbing mounts 816 that are located between linear bearings 814 and suspended passenger compartment 804. Additional shock absorbing mounts 816 may be connected between linear bearings 814 and suspended passenger compartment 804 such that additional shock absorbing mounts 816 bias suspended passenger compartment 804 into a desired position and control and dampen the rotational movement of the suspended passenger compartment 804 about guide track 810. Additional shock absorbing mounts 816 may also provide side, top and bottom impact shock absorption between the suspended passenger compartment 804 and the rest of the vehicle.

In the embodiment being described, the linear movement of suspended passenger compartment 804 traveling along longitudinal direction 812 of guide track 810 is controlled by front shock absorbing mount 806 and rear shock absorbing mount 808. Front shock absorbing mount 806 and rear shock absorbing mount 808 are mounted around guide track 810 and are positioned between a portion of vehicle 802 and suspended passenger compartment 804. Guide track 810 is fixed to portions of vehicle 802. With this configuration, front shock absorbing mount 806 is configured to dampen the impact force transferred to suspended passenger compartment 804 during a frontal impact to vehicle 802 and rear shock absorbing mount 808 is configured to dampen the impact force transferred to suspended passenger compartment 804 during a rear impact to the vehicle. Front and rear shock absorbing mounts 806 and 808 may be any suitable and readily providable shock absorbing mount using any suitable and readily providable mechanism or material including a telescoping shock absorber, a foam material, a polymer material, or any other desired material.

Vehicle 802 may include a passenger safety frame 818, one or more crumple zone structures 820, and a vehicle body 822. Passenger safety frame 818 may be formed as part of vehicle body 822 or may be provided as one or more components that are incorporated into vehicle 802. Crumple zone structures 820 may also be formed as part of vehicle body 822. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, crumple zone structures 820 may be replaceable crumple zone structures that are connected to passenger safety frame 818 of vehicle 802.

Although vehicle 802 has been described as including guide track 810 that is centrally located in vehicle 802, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. Instead, guide track 810 may be provided in a wide variety of other configurations and remain within the scope of the invention. For example, multiple guide tracks may be provided which could be mounted on the sides, above, or below the suspended passenger. Furthermore, although collision impact reduction system 800 is described as including one or more guide tracks, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. Instead, the suspended passenger compartment could be suspended by a shock absorbing polymer or memory foam within the structure of the vehicle without the use of guide tracks or any other mechanical device and still be within the scope of the present invention.

Although suspended passenger compartment 804 has been described as a compartment, this is not a requirement. Instead, suspended passenger compartment 804 could be provided in the form of a simple moveable platform or platforms that allows the platform to move in a suspended manner independent of the main vehicle body, frame or structure. Furthermore, although suspended passenger compartment 804 has been described as being one fixed assembly, this is not a requirement. For example, suspended passenger compartment 804 may be divided into right and left sections that would enable the right and left halves of the suspended passenger compartment to move independently of each other.

Although vehicle 802 has been described as including passenger safety frame 818 and suspended passenger compartment 804 has been described as being supported within vehicle 802, it should be understood that the passenger safety frame may be provided as part of the suspended passenger compartment rather that as part of the vehicle body. For example, suspended passenger compartment 804 may include a roll bar 824 that is formed as an integrated part of the suspended passenger compartment 804 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Alternatively, the suspended passenger compartment may include a full roll cage which would then be suspended independently of the rest of the vehicle.

Vehicle 802 further includes a steering system 826 having a steering wheel 828 located within suspended passenger compartment 804 for steering vehicle 802. Steering system 826 is configured to allow movement of steering wheel 828 with suspended passenger compartment 804 relative to the rest of vehicle 802 while maintaining steering control of vehicle 802 using steering wheel 828. In a preferred embodiment, steering system 826 includes a telescopic section 830 that allows steering wheel 828 to move with the suspended passenger compartment 804 during any movement of suspended passenger compartment 804. Telescopic section 830 of steering system 826 may include a driving and a driven member that are configured to allow the transfer of the rotational movement from steering wheel 828 through steering system 826 while allowing telescopic section 830 of steering system 826 to change lengths as suspended passenger compartment 804 moves.

Although steering system 826 is described as being a mechanical linkage with a driving and driven member to translate the steering wheel motion to the rest of the vehicle, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. Instead, a wide range of suitable and readily providable devices may be used to transfer the driver's steering input to the rest of the vehicle. These devices may include, but are not limited to, electric motors, hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic actuators, gear systems such as a rack and pinion, belts, chains and levers, or any number of combinations thereof.

A number of specific implementations of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific types of vehicles. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various systems that have been described above may be combined in a wide variety of ways to provide vehicles for different applications. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, an automobile 900 may be provided that includes collision impact reduction system 800 along with variations of the variable path front suspension systems described above for vehicle 100. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Broadly, this writing discloses at least the following. A vehicle includes a main vehicle body, a suspended assembly that supports the main body of the vehicle, and a suspension system for connecting the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body. The suspended assembly assists in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle. The suspension system including a first suspension arrangement that movably connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body and controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a first path that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction. The suspension system also including a second suspension arrangement that controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a second path that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction. The second path of the second suspension arrangement being different than the first path of the first suspension arrangement such that the combination of the range of motion of the first suspension arrangement along the first path and the range of motion of the second suspension arrangement along the second path result in an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area.

This writing further discloses the following. A vehicle includes a suspended assembly that supports a main body and a suspension system for connecting the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body. The suspended assembly assists in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle. The suspension system including first and second suspension arrangements that control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along first and second paths that are primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction. The second path differs from the first path such that the combination of the range of motion of the first suspension arrangement along the first path and the second path result in an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area.

All elements, parts and steps described herein are preferably included. It is to be understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be replaced by other elements, parts and steps or deleted altogether as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

CONCEPTS

This writing discloses at least the following Concepts.

Concept 1. A suspension system for use in a vehicle that has a main vehicle body and a suspended assembly that supports the main body of the vehicle, the suspended assembly assisting in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle, the suspension system comprising:

a first suspension arrangement that movably connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body and controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a first path that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction; and

a second suspension arrangement that controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through a range of motion along a second path that is primarily perpendicular to the lateral direction when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction, the second path being different than the first path of the first suspension arrangement such that the combination of the range of motion of the first suspension arrangement along the first path and the range of motion of the second suspension arrangement along the second path result in an overall range of motion for the suspended assembly relative to the main body that is defined by a surface area when the vehicle is traveling in the normal straight-ahead direction.

Concept 2. A suspension system according to Concept 1 wherein the surface area is a planar surface area.

Concept 3. A suspension system according to Concept 1 wherein the surface area is a curved surface area.

Concept 4. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, or 3 wherein the first path of the first suspension arrangement is primarily horizontal and parallel with the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle and the second path of the second suspension arrangement is primarily vertical and perpendicular to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle.

Concept 5. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the first path of the first suspension arrangement is oriented at an angle in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal.

Concept 6. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein the suspended assembly that supports the vehicle includes a component selected from a group of components consisting of a wheel, a ski, a skid, a float, and a tread.

Concept 7. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 wherein the second suspension arrangement movably connects the suspended assembly to the first suspension arrangement.

Concept 8. A suspension system according to Concept 7 wherein the first suspension arrangement includes a telescopic shock absorber having a longitudinal axis with a first end attached to the main body of the vehicle and a second end that is telescopically movable along the longitudinal axis of the telescopic shock absorber relative to the first end of the telescopic shock absorber and the main body of the vehicle such that the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path.

Concept 9. A suspension system according to Concept 8 wherein:

the second suspension arrangement includes an articulated linkage having a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link with each of the links having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point;

the articulated linkage connects the suspended assembly to the first suspension arrangement such that

-   -   the first link is fixed to the movable second end of the         telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement,     -   the first pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected         to the first pivot point of the second link at a first         articulated linkage pivot point,     -   the second pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected         to the first pivot point of the third link at a second         articulated linkage pivot point,     -   the second pivot point of the second link is pivotally connected         to the first pivot point of the fourth link at a third         articulated linkage pivot point,     -   the second pivot point of the third link is pivotally connected         to the second pivot point of the fourth link at a fourth         articulated linkage pivot point, and     -   the fourth link is connected to and supports the suspended         assembly; and

the second suspension arrangement includes a shock absorber connected between the first link that is fixed to the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement and one of the other links of the articulated linkage, the shock absorber being connected to the articulated linkage such that it controls movement of the suspended assembly relative to the movable second end of the telescopic shock absorber of the first suspension arrangement through the range of motion along the second path.

Concept 10. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein the suspended assembly is a steerable suspended assembly with the suspended assembly being connected to the second suspension arrangement such that at least portions of the suspended assembly are rotatable relative to the second suspension arrangement about a first steering axis.

Concept 11. A suspension system according to Concept 10 wherein the rotation of the rotatable portions of the suspended assembly about the first steering axis is controlled by a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

Concept 12. A suspension system according to Concept 10 or 11 wherein the second end of the telescopic shock absorber is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the telescopic shock absorber relative to the first end of the telescopic shock absorber and the main body of the vehicle thereby providing a second steering axis.

Concept 13. A suspension system according to Concept 10, 11, or 12 wherein the rotation of the second end of the telescopic shock absorber is controlled by a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

Concept 14. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 wherein the second suspension arrangement movably connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body.

Concept 15. A suspension system according to Concept 14 wherein:

the suspension system includes an articulated linkage that connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body;

the first suspension arrangement includes a first biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path; and

the second suspension arrangement includes a second biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the second path.

Concept 16. A suspension system according to Concept 15 wherein the first and second biasing and dampening arrangements are shock absorbers.

Concept 17. A suspension system according to Concept 15 or 16 wherein:

a plurality of the links of the articulated linkage are rotational drive transmitting links that include a first and a second spaced apart hinge point, the spaced apart hinge points each having an associated axis of rotation that provides a pivot point for the articulated linkage, each rotational drive transmitting link including

-   -   a driven member that is supported and rotates about the axis of         the first hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link         and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage,     -   a drive member that is supported and rotates about the axis of         the second hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link         and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, and     -   a rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational         movement from the driven member of the rotational drive         transmitting link to the drive member of the rotational drive         transmitting link; and

the plurality of rotational drive transmitting links are connected to one another in series with the second hinge point of a given one of the rotational drive transmitting links being pivotally connected to the first hinge point of the next rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the given rotational drive transmitting link rotationally drives the driven member of the next rotational drive transmitting link to rotate about the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage thereby providing the transmission of a rotational drive through the series of rotational drive transmitting links.

Concept 18. A suspension system according to Concept 17 wherein the rotational drive mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group of mechanisms consisting of a chain drive, a belt drive, a shaft drive, and a gear drive.

Concept 19. A suspension system according to Concept 17 or 18 wherein each rotational drive transmitting link includes an enclosed space that houses the associated drive member, driven member, and drive mechanism of the rotational drive transmitting link.

Concept 20. A suspension system according to Concept 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19 wherein:

the articulated linkage has a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link with each of the links having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point;

the articulated linkage connects the suspended assembly to the main vehicle body such that

-   -   the first pivot point of the first link and the first pivot         point of the fourth link are pivotally connected to one another         and pivotally connected to the main body of the vehicle at a         first articulated linkage pivot point,     -   the second pivot point of the first link is pivotally connected         to the first pivot point of the second link at a second         articulated linkage pivot point,     -   the second pivot point of the fourth link is pivotally connected         to the first pivot point of the third link at a third         articulated linkage pivot point, and     -   the second pivot point of the second link and the second pivot         point of the third link are pivotally connected to one another         at a fourth articulated linkage pivot point,

the suspended assembly is connected to the articulated linkage;

the first suspension arrangement includes a first biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and one of the links of the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the first path; and

the second suspension arrangement includes a second biasing and dampening arrangement connected between the main vehicle body and another one of the links of the articulated linkage to control movement of the suspended assembly relative to the main vehicle body through the range of motion along the second path.

Concept 21. A suspension system according to Concept 20 wherein the first and second biasing and dampening arrangements arc shock absorbers.

Concept 22. A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 23 A suspension system according to Concept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 wherein the suspension system includes a sensing arrangement for sensing certain characteristics of the movement of the suspension system and wherein the suspension system includes an arrangement for modifying the function of elements of the suspension system in response to the certain characteristics sensed by the sensing arrangement.

Concept 24. A rotational drive transmission for use in a vehicle, the transmission comprising:

an articulated linkage including a plurality of rotational drive transmitting links that each have a first and a second spaced apart hinge point, the spaced apart hinge points each having an associated axis of rotation that provides a pivot point for the articulated linkage, each rotational drive transmitting link including

-   -   a driven member that is supported and rotates about the axis of         the first hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link         and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage,     -   a drive member that is supported and rotates about the axis of         the second hinge point of the rotational drive transmitting link         and the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage, and     -   a rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational         movement from the driven member of the rotational drive         transmitting link to the drive member of the rotational drive         transmitting link;

the plurality of rotational drive transmitting links being connected to one another in series with the second hinge point of a given one of the rotational drive transmitting links being pivotally connected to the first hinge point of a next rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the given rotational drive transmitting link rotationally drives the driven member of the next rotational drive transmitting link to rotate about the associated pivot point of the articulated linkage thereby providing the transmission of a rotational drive through the series of rotational drive transmitting links.

Concept 25. A transmission according to Concept 24 wherein the rotational drive mechanism for transmitting rotational movement from the driven member of one of the rotational drive transmitting links to the drive member of that rotational drive transmitting link includes a shifting arrangement for changing the drive ratio between the driven member and the drive member of that rotational drive transmitting link.

Concept 26. A transmission according to Concept 25 wherein the shifting arrangement includes a selecting arrangement for selecting any given one of a plurality of different drive ratios.

Concept 27. A transmission according to Concept 24, 25, or 26 wherein the rotational drive mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group of mechanisms consisting of a chain drive, a belt drive, a shaft drive, and a gear drive.

Concept 28. A transmission according to Concept 24, 25, 26, or 27 wherein each rotational drive transmitting link includes an enclosed space that houses the associated drive member, driven member, and drive mechanism of the rotational drive transmitting link.

Concept 29. A transmission according to Concept 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 wherein:

the transmission includes a first and a second rotational drive transmitting link;

the vehicle is a wheeled vehicle that includes a main body, a suspended wheel assembly including a drive wheel that supports the main body of the vehicle, a suspension system for connecting the suspended wheel assembly to the main body of the vehicle, and a crank set assembly having a crank set rotational axis, the crank set allowing a rider of the vehicle to input a rotational drive about the crank set rotational axis;

the articulated linkage provides at least a portion of the suspension system for connecting the suspended wheel assembly to the main body of the vehicle;

the first rotational drive transmitting link is pivotally connected to the main body of the vehicle with the driven member of the first rotational drive transmitting link being rotationally connected to the crank set assembly such that the rotational drive input from the rider drives the driven member of the first rotational drive transmitting link; and

the drive wheel is rotationally connected to the drive member of the second rotational drive transmitting link such that the drive member of the second rotational drive transmitting link drives the drive wheel thereby causing the rotational drive input from the rider to drive the drive wheel.

Concept 30. A transmission according to Concept 29 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 31. A rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle including a frame having a front and a back, a suspended rear drive wheel that supports the frame, and a suspension system for connecting the rear drive wheel to the frame, the suspension adjusting arrangement comprising:

a configuration adjusting arrangement for changing the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame such that the suspension system may be moved into an uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill and such that the suspension system may be moved into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill, and

an activating arrangement for activating the configuration adjusting arrangement to cause the configuration adjusting arrangement to change the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame while the vehicle is being used.

Concept 32. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31 wherein

the vehicle includes a front wheel,

the vehicle has a wheel base that is defined by the distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel, and

the suspension adjusting arrangement changes the wheel base of the vehicle as the configuration adjusting arrangement moves the suspension system between the uphill configuration and the downhill configuration.

Concept 33. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31 or 32 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 34. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31, 32, or 33 wherein the activating arrangement includes a sensor arrangement for sensing when the vehicle is traveling uphill and downhill.

Concept 35. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31, 32, 33, or 34 wherein the activating arrangement is manually controlled by an operator of the vehicle.

Concept 36. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 wherein the configuration adjusting arrangement includes an actuator selected from the group of actuators consisting of a motorized actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a cable driven actuator, a push rod driven actuator, and a magnetic actuator.

Concept 37. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 31, 32, or 33 wherein

the vehicle further includes a crank set assembly having a crank set rotational axis, the crank set being configured to allow a rider to input a rotational drive about the crank set rotational axis for driving the rear drive wheel,

the rear wheel has a rear wheel axis,

the suspension system has an effective swing arm length that extends from the crank set rotational axis to the rear wheel axis, and

the configuration adjusting arrangement decreases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling uphill and increases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling downhill.

Concept 38. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 37 wherein

the activating arrangement includes a pivoting member that is pivotally connected to the frame of the vehicle about a pivoting member rotational axis that is parallel to, but spaced apart from, the crank set rotational axis, the crank set rotational axis being located below the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in an upright position such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the front of the frame when the vehicle is traveling downhill and causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the rear of the frame when the vehicle is traveling uphill, and

the configuration adjusting arrangement includes a suspension pivot point that is located on the pivoting member above the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in the upright position, the suspension system being pivotally connected to the suspension pivot point of the pivoting member of the suspension adjusting arrangement such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot with the suspension pivot point moving toward the rear of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill and with the suspension pivot point moving toward the front of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill.

Concept 39. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to Concept 38 wherein the suspension adjusting arrangement includes a dampening arrangement for dampening the speed of the pivoting of the pivoting member of the activating arrangement.

Concept 40. A steering system for use in a wheeled vehicle that has a main vehicle body and a steerable wheel that supports the main body of the vehicle, the steerable wheel having a wheel axis around which the wheel rotates in a wheel rotation plane that is perpendicular to the wheel axis, the steerable wheel assisting in providing directional control of the vehicle and stability in a lateral direction relative to a normal straight-ahead direction of travel for the vehicle, the steering system comprising:

a first steering arrangement that controls movement of the steerable wheel relative to the main vehicle body such that the steerable wheel pivots about a first steering axis; and

a second steering arrangement that controls movement of the steerable wheel relative to the main vehicle body such that the steerable wheel pivots about a second steering axis, the second steering axis being different than the first steering axis.

Concept 41. A steering system according to Concept 40 wherein the first steering axis is primarily vertical allowing the first steering arrangement to move the steerable wheel through a range of motion that pivots the wheel rotation plane of the steerable wheel relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel and the second steering axis is primarily horizontal allowing the second steering arrangement to move the steerable wheel through a range of motion that tilts the wheel rotation plane of the steerable wheel relative to the normal straight-ahead direction of travel.

Concept 42. A steering system according to Concept 40 or 41 wherein the second steering axis of the second steering arrangement is oriented at an angle in the range of 0-30 degrees from horizontal.

Concept 43. A steering system according to Concept 40, 41, or 42 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 44. A steering system for use in a vehicle that includes a main vehicle body, a suspended assembly that supports the main body of the vehicle, and a suspension arrangement for connecting the suspended assembly to the main body of the vehicle, the suspended assembly assisting in providing directional control of the vehicle, the steering system comprising:

an axle that makes up a portion of the suspended assembly, the axle having an axle rotational axis and two bearing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another along the axle rotational axis, the axle defining an opening within the axle that is located between the two spaced apart bearing surfaces;

a steering arrangement that is located within the opening within the axle, the steering arrangement defining a steering axis and the steering arrangement being rotatably connected to the axle such that the axle is movable about the steering axis; and

a steering actuator that is connected to the steering arrangement such that the steering actuator controls the movement of the axle about the steering axis.

Concept 45. A steering system according to Concept 44 wherein the suspended assembly that supports the vehicle includes a component selected from a group of components consisting of a wheel, a ski, a skid, a float, and a tread.

Concept 46. A steering system according to Concept 44 or 45 wherein the vehicle is a human powered, wheeled vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 47. A steering system according to Concept 44, 45, or 46 wherein the opening within the axle has a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of a cylinder, a sphere, a combination of portions of a sphere, and a combination of one or more cylinders and portions of a sphere.

Concept 48. A steering system according to Concept 44, 45, 46, or 47 wherein the steering actuator includes a steering assembly selected from a group of steering assemblies consisting of a hydraulic steering assembly, a pneumatic steering assembly, a cable steering assembly, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a mechanical push rod steering assembly.

Concept 49. A steering system according to Concept 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48 wherein portions of the steering actuator are enclosed within portions of the suspension arrangement.

Concept 50. A position adjusting arrangement for use in a wheeled vehicle including a seat for supporting a rider, a plurality of wheels with at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, a steering arrangement having a handle bar for allowing the rider to control the steerable wheel, and a hub for interconnecting the components of the wheeled vehicle, the position adjusting arrangement comprising:

an arrangement for connecting the wheels to the hub;

an adjustable seat support arrangement for connecting the seat to the hub, the adjustable seat support arrangement being movably connected to the hub;

an adjustable handle bar support arrangement for connecting the handle bar to the huh, the adjustable handle bar support arrangement being movably connected to the hub; and

a releasable position locking arrangement that is releasable by the rider when the rider is riding the vehicle, the position locking arrangement being configured to lock the relative positions of the hub, the adjustable seat support arrangement, and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement when the position locking arrangement is not released by the rider.

Concept 51. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 50 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 52. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 50 or 51 wherein;

the position adjusting arrangement further includes a variable length link for connecting the adjustable seat support arrangement to the adjustable handle bar support arrangement, the variable length link having a first end that is pivotally connected to the adjustable handle bar support arrangement and a second end that is pivotally connected to the adjustable seat support arrangement; and

the position locking arrangement includes a link locking arrangement for locking the variable length link at a desired length.

Concept 53. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 50, 51, or 52 wherein the adjustable seat support arrangement and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement are pivotally connected to one another at a same pivot point that they are pivotally connected to the hub.

Concept 54. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 50, 51, 52, or 53 wherein:

the hub includes a first portion that is connected to the wheels, a second portion that is connected to the adjustable seat support arrangement and the adjustable handle bar support arrangement, and a hub positioning arrangement that is configured to allow the first portion of the hub to move relative to the second portion of the hub; and

the position locking arrangement includes a hub position locking arrangement for locking the position of the first portion of the hub relative to the second portion of the hub.

Concept 55. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 54 wherein the hub positioning arrangement includes a slidable track connecting the first portion of the hub to the second portion of the hub.

Concept 56. A position adjusting arrangement according to Concept 54 wherein the second portion of the hub is connected to the first portion of the hub and the hub positioning arrangement is provided by the pivoting of the second portion of the hub relative to the first portion of the hub.

Concept 57. A signal arrangement for use in a vehicle by a vehicle operator to indicate the intentions of the operator of the vehicle, the signal arrangement comprising:

a plurality of signaling elements configured to indicate the operator's intention to continue traveling in a primarily straight-ahead direction.

Concept 58. A signal arrangement according to Concept 57 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.

Concept 59. A signal arrangement according to Concept 57 or 58 wherein the plurality of signaling elements include a plurality of vertically spaced apart, upwardly pointing, lighted arrows that are controlled to illuminate in sequence from the lowermost arrow to the uppermost arrow when the operator activates the signal arrangement to indicate the intention to continue traveling in the primarily straight-ahead direction.

Concept 60. A bicycle seat for supporting a bicycle rider on a bicycle, the bicycle seat comprising:

a saddle for supporting the rider when the bicycle seat is attached to the bicycle, the saddle having a nose portion located at the front of the saddle when the seat is attached to the bicycle;

a seat mount having a first end configured to allow the bicycle seat to be attached to the bicycle and a second end that is pivotally connected to the saddle such that the seat mount supports the saddle and such that the nose portion of the saddle is free to pivot relative to the seat mount when the seat is attached to the bicycle; and

a biasing arrangement connected between the seat mount and the nose portion of the saddle for biasing the nose portion of the saddle into a desired position when the seat is attached to the bicycle, the biasing arrangement allowing the nose portion of the saddle to pivot downward relative to the rider when pressure is applied to the nose portion of the saddle.

Concept 61. A bicycle seat according to Concept 60 wherein the bicycle includes a frame and the seat mount includes a seat post for attaching the seat to the frame, the seat post being slidably connected to the frame to allow the position of the seat to be adjusted relative to the frame.

Concept 62. A collision impact reduction system for reducing the impact force associated with a collision on a passenger in a passenger carrying vehicle, the collision impact reduction system comprising:

a suspended passenger compartment for carrying at least one passenger, the suspended passenger compartment being supported within the vehicle such that the suspended passenger compartment is movable within the vehicle in at least one direction in response to the vehicle colliding with another object;

at least one shock absorbing mount for supporting the suspended passenger compartment within the vehicle, the shock absorbing mount being attached between the suspended passenger compartment and another portion of the vehicle to dampen the impact force associated with the collision that is transferred from the vehicle to the suspended passenger compartment and passenger in the at least one direction that the suspended passenger compartment is able to move within the vehicle.

Concept 63. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 62 wherein the collision impact reduction system further includes a guide track that extends in a longitudinal direction within the vehicle and wherein the suspended passenger compartment is connected to the guide track such that the suspended passenger compartment is movable in the longitudinal direction.

Concept 64. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 63 wherein the suspended passenger compartment is connected to the guide track such that the suspended passenger compartment may also pivot about the longitudinal direction of the guide track.

Concept 65. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 62, 63, or 64 wherein the at least one shock absorbing mount includes a front shock absorbing mount and a rear shock absorbing mount, the front shock absorbing mount being configured to dampen a frontal impact to the vehicle and the rear shock absorbing mount being configured to dampen a rear impact to the vehicle.

Concept 66. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 62, 63, 64, or 65 wherein the at least one shock absorbing mount is provided by a shock absorbing mount selected from the group consisting of a shock absorber, a foam mount, and a polymer mount.

Concept 67. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66 wherein the suspended passenger compartment includes a roll bar.

Concept 68. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67 wherein the vehicle includes a steering system having a steering wheel located within the suspended passenger compartment for steering the vehicle, the steering system being configured to allow movement of the steering wheel with the suspended passenger compartment relative to the rest of the vehicle while maintaining steering control of the vehicle with the steering wheel.

Concept 69. The collision impact reduction system of Concept 68 wherein the steering system is a steering system selected from the group of steering systems consisting of a steering system having a telescoping articulated linkage, an electric steering system, a hydraulic steering system, a pneumatic steering system and a magnetically coupled steering system.

Listing of Reference Numerals 100 Vehicle 102 Front Suspension System 104 Rear suspension System 106 Main Vehicle Body 108 Suspended Assembly 110 Suspended Assembly 112 Hub Arrangement 114 Seat Support Arrangement 116 Handle Bar Support Arrangement 118 Front Wheel 120 Rear Wheel 122 First Suspension Arrangement 124 First Path 126 Second Suspension Arrangement 128 Second Path 130 Telescoping Shock Absorber 132 Longitudinal Axis 134 First End 136 Second End 138 Articulated Linkage 140 First Link 142 Second Link 144 Third Link 146 Fourth Link 148 First Pivot Point 150 Second Pivot Point 152 Third Pivot Point 154 Fourth Pivot Point 156 Wheel Hub 158 Shock Absorber 159 Pivot Point 160 Rocker Arm 161 Pull Link 162 Pivot Point 163 Pivot Point 164 Pivot Point 166 First Steering Axis 168 Second Steering Axis 170 First Suspension Arrangement 172 First Path 174 Second Suspension Arrangement 176 Second Path 178 Articulated Linkage 180 First Biasing and Dampening Arrangement 182 Second Biasing and Dampening Arrangement 184 First Link 186 Second Link 188 Third Link 190 Fourth Link 192 First Pivot Point 194 Second Pivot Point 196 Third Pivot Point 198 Fourth Pivot Point 200 Wheel Hub Motor 202 Suspension Adjusting Arrangement 204 Sensor Arrangement 206 Adjusting Arrangement 208 Control Arrangement 210 Crank Assembly 212 Rotational Drive Transmission Arrangement 214 Drive Transmitting Articulated Linkage 216 Driven Member 218 Driven Member 220 Drive Member 222 Drive Member 224 Rotational Drive Mechanism 226 Rotational Drive Mechanism 228 Shifting Arrangement 230 Selecting Arrangement 300 Multi-Axis Steering System 302 Front Wheel Axis 304 First Steering Arrangement 306 Second Steering Arrangement 308 Handle Bar 310 Outward End 312 First Handle Bar Steering Axis 314 Second Handle Bar Steering Axis 316 Axle 318 First Bearing 320 Second Bearing 322 Opening 400 Position Adjusting Arrangement 402 Seat 404 Position Locking Arrangement 406 Variable Length Link 408 First End 410 Second End 412 Link Locking Arrangement 414 Biasing Arrangement 416 First End 418 Second End 420 Pivot Point 422 Second Pivot Point 424 Hub Locking Arrangement 426 First Link 428 Second Link 430 Pivot Point 432 Slidable Track 500 Rear Suspension Adjusting Arrangement 502 Vehicle 504 Frame 506 Suspended Rear Drive Wheel 508 Suspension System 510 Configuration adjusting Arrangement 512 Activation Arrangement 514 Crank Set Assembly 516 Crank Set Rotational Axis 518 Rear Wheel Axis 520 Pivoting Member 522 Pivoting Member Rotational Axis 524 Suspension Pivot Point 526 Dampening Arrangement 528 Sensor Arrangement 530 Front Wheel 600 Signal Arrangement 602 Signal Element 604a-c Lighted Arrow 606 Controller 608 Additional Lighted Element 610 Lighted Arrow 612 Lighted Arrow 700 Bicycle Seat 702 Saddle 704 Nose Portion 706 Seat Mount 708 First End 710 Second End 712 Biasing Arrangement 714 Frame 716 Seat Post 800 Collision Impact Reduction System 802 Vehicle 804 Suspended Passenger Compartment 806 First Shock Absorbing Mount 808 Second Shock Absorbing Mount 810 Guide Track 812 Longitudinal Direction 814 Linear Bearing 816 Additional Shock Absorbing Mount 818 Passenger Safety Frame 820 Crumple Zone Structure 822 Vehicle Body 824 Roll Bar 826 Steering System 828 Steering Wheel 830 Telescopic Section 900 Vehicle 

1-30. (canceled)
 31. A rear wheel suspension adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle including a frame having a front and a back, a suspended rear drive wheel that supports the frame, and a suspension system for connecting the rear drive wheel to the frame, the suspension adjusting arrangement comprising: a configuration adjusting arrangement for changing the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame such that the suspension system may be moved into an uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill and such that the suspension system may be moved into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill, and an activating arrangement for activating the configuration adjusting arrangement to cause the configuration adjusting arrangement to change the positioning of the suspension system relative to the frame while the vehicle is being used.
 32. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the vehicle includes a front wheel, the vehicle has a wheel base that is defined by the distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel, and the suspension adjusting arrangement changes the wheel base of the vehicle as the configuration adjusting arrangement moves the suspension system between the uphill configuration and the downhill configuration.
 33. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the vehicle is a human powered vehicle selected from the group of vehicles consisting of a bicycle, a tricycle, and a quadracycle.
 34. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the activating arrangement includes a sensor arrangement for sensing when the vehicle is traveling uphill and downhill.
 35. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the activating arrangement is manually controlled by an operator of the vehicle.
 36. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the configuration adjusting arrangement includes an actuator selected from the group of actuators consisting of a motorized actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a cable driven actuator, a push rod driven actuator, and a magnetic actuator.
 37. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the vehicle further includes a crank set assembly having a crank set rotational axis, the crank set being configured to allow a rider to input a rotational drive about the crank set rotational axis for driving the rear drive wheel, the rear wheel has a rear wheel axis, the suspension system has an effective swing arm length that extends from the crank set rotational axis to the rear wheel axis, and the configuration adjusting arrangement decreases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling uphill and increases the effective swing arm length when the vehicle is traveling downhill.
 38. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 37 wherein the activating arrangement includes a pivoting member that is pivotally connected to the frame of the vehicle about a pivoting member rotational axis that is parallel to, but spaced apart from, the crank set rotational axis, the crank set rotational axis being located below the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in an upright position such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the front of the frame when the vehicle is traveling downhill and causing the crank set rotational axis to move toward the rear of the frame when the vehicle is traveling uphill, and the configuration adjusting arrangement includes a suspension pivot point that is located on the pivoting member above the pivoting member rotational axis when the vehicle is in the upright position, the suspension system being pivotally connected to the suspension pivot point of the pivoting member of the suspension adjusting arrangement such that the weight of the rider on the crank set causes the pivoting member to pivot with the suspension pivot point moving toward the rear of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a downhill configuration when the vehicle is traveling downhill and with the suspension pivot point moving toward the front of the frame causing the suspension system to move into a uphill configuration when the vehicle is traveling uphill.
 39. A suspension adjusting arrangement according to claim 38 wherein the suspension adjusting arrangement includes a dampening arrangement for dampening the speed of the pivoting of the pivoting member of the activating arrangement. 40-69. (canceled) 